I'm curious about the technical details. Non-deployment of parachute is unusual. I saw video of the fall, and at no point in about 30 seconds was there any evidence of an attempted deployment.
I don't know if the deployment was to be automatic, or on command, etc. The craft had been out for a long time, and performed very well in every regard up until today.
I also don't know what sorts of shock absorbtion were inside the capsule, "bubble wrap" as others have suggested, or some other means of protection. No doubt a disappointment, but I don't know for a fact that the mission will prove to be a total loss.
They used a helicopter to snag it because they were concerned that the glass disks would be damaged even if it hit the ground with the parachute deployed.
"I don't know if the deployment was to be automatic, or on command, etc. "
I thought you were supposed to do it...
NO I thought you were....