Techniques and instruments to analyze, characterize and study returned samples

Abstract Since the pioneer lunar sample return missions, the development of advanced techniques for the laboratory analysis of retrieved samples has run in parallel with the advances in space studies. All along the last decades, a common goal of these developments has been to maximize the scientific outcomes of laboratory studies while minimizing the loss of precious extraterrestrial samples. We provide an overview of the techniques and instruments used so far to analyze, characterize and study returned extraterrestrial samples. Considering the limited amount of material that is retrieved by the space missions, a multi-analytical sequence from less destructive techniques to more destructive techniques needs to be established. The return of Hayabusa2 and OSIRIS-REx samples will probably trigger a wave of laboratory studies, which, in turn, will support new developments of space instruments for observations of Solar System bodies.