Analyze the potential scientific benefits and risks of sample return missions from Mars and other celestial bodies, considering planetary protection protocols.

Sample return missions from Mars can provide invaluable scientific insights into the planet’s geology, climate history, and potential for past life. However, these missions pose risks of forward contamination (Earth microbes contaminating Mars) and back contamination (Martian material posing risks to Earth). Planetary protection protocols, including stringent sterilization processes and containment measures, are essential to mitigate these risks while maximizing scientific returns.