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In September, the Genesis space probe will eject a capsule to Earth carrying fragile samples of the solar wind - particles spewed out from the Sun.
The capsule's fall will be slowed by two parachutes, but its fast descent means the container must be caught in mid-air by a helicopter with a hook if a damaging impact with the ground is to be avoided.
Back when spy satellites used film cameras, it was practice to jettison the film back on a cannister which was then intercepted by a plane during the descent.
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