Photos: Stardust capsule returns with comet dust

The Stardust capsule's re-entry into the Earth's atmosphere created a light show captured by NASA's DC-8 Airborn Laboratory. It was the fastest re-entry of a manmade object, returning at a speed of 28,860 miles per hour after being ejected from the main spacecraft as it flew past Earth.

After cutting away the parachute, NASA workers carried the capsule to a recovery helicopter.

The capsule was packed inside a protective covering and then transported to a laboratory for analysis.

The Stardust capsule was taken to a temporary "clean room" at the Michael Army Air Field in Utah where scientists began examining the cannister and its contents--hopefully uncovering secrets of the solar system.