⏰ when
When was the first sample return from an asteroid completed?
Quick Answer
The first asteroid samples were returned to Earth on 13 June 2010 by Japan’s Hayabusa mission.
The Full Story
Hayabusa became the first spacecraft to return samples from an asteroid when its capsule landed in Australia on 13 June 2010. The samples came from asteroid Itokawa and gave scientists material to study directly in the lab. This was a breakthrough for planetary science because it provided untouched asteroid grains rather than remote observations alone. The mission proved that small-body sample return was possible despite major technical challenges.
Key Facts
1.Return date: 13 June 2010
2.Mission: Hayabusa
3.Target asteroid: Itokawa
YouTube Angle
Suggested video title for this topic:
"In 2010, asteroid dust landed on Earth for the first time—and changed planetary science."
Was this answer helpful?
Tap a reaction — it helps us pick what to cover next.