Sample-return mission

A sample-return mission is a space mission to collect samples from a location, usually someplace far away, such as another planet. The mission has two parts: first, a spacecraft is sent out to the location to take pictures, record data, and collect some small pieces of the material from the spot. Then, the spacecraft returns to Earth and the samples are examined closely to learn more about what the place is like. This helps scientists understand more about how planets, stars, and galaxies are formed, how they work, and what they are made of.