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Reference.org
Extraterrestrial sample curation
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<p>The curation of extraterrestrial samples (astromaterials) obtained by <a href="/facts/Sample-return_mission/0bcaFtVx">sample-return missions</a> takes place at facilities specially designed to preserve both the sample integrity and protect the Earth. Astromaterials are classified as either <i>non-restricted</i> or <i>restricted</i>, depending on the nature of the Solar System body. Non-restricted samples include the <a href="/facts/Moon/zKHqEMPb">Moon</a>, <a href="/facts/Asteroid/g7Ulr1VB">asteroids</a>, <a href="/facts/Comet/w34utQCd">comets</a>, <a href="/facts/Solar_wind/BvuB3dT8">solar particles</a> and <a href="/facts/Space_dust/Uy6hlL29">space dust</a>. Restricted bodies include planets or moons suspected to have either past or present <a href="/facts/Planetary_habitability/n8A0ehR8">habitable environments</a> to microscopic life, and therefore must be treated as extremely <a href="/facts/Biohazard/14ajJM9M">biohazardous</a>. </p>