The [USSR](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soviet_Union) flew three successful automated lunar sample return missions: [Luna 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 (101 g, 30 g and 170 g, respectively).