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NASA’s Genesis mission has completed the capture of solar-wind particles in its specially designed collector arrays.

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Since October 2001, Genesis has been in a solar orbit with its wafer-shaped arrays open to harvest the Sun’s atoms for research.

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Last week, NASA scientists ordered the spacecraft to deactivate and stow the arrays in its sample return capsule.

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At the end of April, Genesis will make the first in a series of maneuvers that will point the spacecraft toward Earth.

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In September, the sample return capsule will be ejected from the spacecraft and enter Earth’s atmosphere.

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During its descent to the ground, the capsule will be slowed by its parachute.

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In a Hollywood-type stunt maneuver, trained pilots in helicopters will swoop down and snag the return capsule in mid-air using giant hooks,

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protecting the precious cargo from a hard landing.

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This is the first sample of space material to return to Earth since December 1972 when the Apollo 17 crew returned from the Moon.