WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Adam Schiff (D-CA) issued the following statement regarding the Genesis mission spacecraft. The Genesis spacecraft began its journey into space in 2001 to collect samples of solar wind. Scientists have been eagerly looking forward to studying the samples, which many believe hold clues to the origin of our solar system. The return capsule crashed into the Utah desert today after its parachutes failed to open. The mission has been operated by Pasadena’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) since its launch in August 2001:
“The critical research done by Jet Propulsion Laboratory continues to enable humankind to reach beyond known boundaries and search for the origins of life. While the return capsule’s landing today, tragically did not occur as planned, working to capture solar wind samples is not only an extraordinary feat of engineering and creativity, but is merely one of the many endeavors JPL has undertaken to broaden our knowledge and understanding. I am proud to represent many of the men and women of JPL, and I join my colleagues in Congress in recognizing JPL’s exceptional efforts and wishing them every success in future missions.”
JPL is headquartered in Pasadena, much of which is represented in the U.S. House of Representatives by Congressman Schiff. California’s 29th Congressional District also includes the communities of Alhambra, Altadena, Burbank, East Pasadena, East San Gabriel, Glendale, Monterey Park, San Gabriel, South Pasadena and Temple City.