The USSR flew three successful automated lunar sample return missions: [Lunar 16](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luna_16), [Luna 20](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luna_20) and [Luna 24](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luna_24). The probes landed on the moon, collected samples, and started a small rocket with the samples back to earth. The returned mass was very small (101g, 30g and 170g, respectively).