Role of Sample Return in Addressing Major Questions in Planetary Sciences

In the past 50 years, our understanding of the origin and evolution of the Solar System has grown exponentially, in large part due to the availability of meteorites and the success of sample return missions. This book contains fourteen papers, each led by a team of expert scientists, which review our present understanding of Solar System formation and evolution through sample analysis. The chapters are structured around three main themes: (i) initial conditions and workings of the Solar System; (ii) planetary habitats; and (iii) sample curation. Through these themes, the volume presents the outstanding scientific questions to be addressed through future missions, identifies specific target bodies to be studied, and evaluates relevant sample curation facilities. In all, the book is intended to assist in formulating a viable strategy for planning future sample return missions. Previously published in Space Science Reviews in the Topical Collection "Role of Sample Return in Addressing Major Questions in Planetary Sciences”