Monday, July 16, 2001		Lens on IT

An artists computer diagram of the Genesis spacecraft as it will look like this as it faces the sun to collect particles of solar wind while orbiting L1 is shown in this diagram from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. The spacecraft bus, which transports and cares for the sample return capsule, is shown in gold in this drawing. Extending from it are two hinged solar panels, which collect sunlight energy to provide electricity for the spacecraft's many functions. The cover of the sample return capsule, shown here in silver, opens to the top of this picture to reveal the Genesis science canister. The science capsule opens toward the bottom of this drawing, showing its lining of collector array material (here indicated as gold-colored hexagons). The spacecraft is due to be launched July 30, 2001 and is expected to return to Earth September 2004.

A woman stands with her child next to old computer monitors outside of a securities building in Beijing. As China prepares for World Trade Organisation membership, the country hopes to attract more foreign investment to spur economic growth and bring technology to China.

Jemima Khan arrives for the British premiere of the film "Lara Croft: Tomb Raider" in London's Leicester Square. The film is based on the popular computer game featuring animated action hero Lara Croft, and has already grossed over US$100 million since its release in the United States. 

Dr. Aki Ross, one of the characters in the new computer-generated science fiction film "Final Fantasy; The Spirits Within", appears in a scene from the movie. One-fifth of the film's production time was spent detailing Dr. Ross' hair in the computer. 

— Reuters photos