> You might therefore wonder if we should instead analyse meteorites. However, meteorites consist of the material that is left over after re-entry through the atmosphere and their structure, along with easily volatile substances, have been lost. They will also be contaminated with substances from the Earth. On the other hand, samples from the asteroids are brought back to Earth in the same condition as they were in space, with the “re-entry capsule” protecting the sample through the atmosphere and landing.
> You might therefore wonder if we should instead analyse meteorites. However, meteorites consist of the material that is left over after re-entry through the atmosphere and their structure, along with easily volatile substances, have been lost. They will also be contaminated with substances from the Earth. On the other hand, samples from the asteroids are brought back to Earth in the same condition as they were in space, with the “re-entry capsule” protecting the sample through the atmosphere and landing.