Sample Return Missions

Sample Return Missions: The Last Frontier of Solar System Exploration examines the discoveries and results obtained from sample return missions of the past, present, and future. It analyses the results in the context of the current state of knowledge and their relation to the formation and evolution of planetary bodies, as well as to the available technologies and techniques. It provides detailed descriptions of experimental procedures applied to returned samples.

Beginning with an overview of previous missions, Sample Return Missions then goes on to provide an overview of facilities throughout the world used to analyze the returned samples. Finally, it addresses techniques for collection, transport, and analysis of the samples, with an additional focus on lessons learned and future perspectives. Providing an in-depth examination of a variety of missions, with both scientific and engineering implications, this book is an important resource for the planetary science community, as well as the experimentalist and engineering communities.

• Presents sample return results obtained so far in relation to remote sensing measurements, methods and techniques for laboratory analysis, and technology
• Provides an overview of a variety of sample return missions, from Apollo, to Hayabusa-2, to future missions
• Examines technological and methodological advances in analyzing returned samples, as well as the resources available globally

Planetary scientists as well as experimentalists, materials scientists, and engineers working with the planetary community

Part I: Space Missions
1. Apollo
2. Luna
3. Genesis
4. Stardust
5. Hayabusa
6. Upcoming Missions
7. Conclusions

Part II: Facilities
8. Europe
9. USA
10. Japan
11. Future Facilities

Part III: Techniques and Technologies
12. Sample Collection Techniques
13. Transport Techniques
14. Analysis Techniques of Returned Samples

Part IV: Future
15. Perspectives for the Future and Lessons Learned