// ORBITAL LOGISTICS AND PROPULSION TERM
Sample Return
Sample return is a type of space mission where physical samples of extraterrestrial material are collected and brought back to Earth for detailed study.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
Sample return is a space mission architecture involving the collection of physical samples (e.g., rocks, soil, atmospheric gases) from an extraterrestrial body (e.g., Moon, Mars, asteroid, comet) and their subsequent transport back to Earth for comprehensive laboratory analysis, providing unparalleled scientific insights.
BACKGROUND
China has one of the most active space programs in the world. With launch vehicles of the Long March rocket family and four spaceports, China conducts the most or second most orbital launches each year. China's fleet of over 1,300 Earth orbit satellites serves communication, navigation, reconnaissance and scientific research. China Manned Space Program operates Tiangong, one of two active space stations alongside the International Space Station (ISS). China National Space Administration (CNSA) has achieved robotic rover, lander, and orbiter missions to the Moon and Mars.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- Extraterrestrial sample retrieval
- material return mission
- specimen collection
USAGE NOTE
The Mars Sample Return campaign aims to bring Martian rock and soil samples to Earth, which could revolutionize astrobiology.