THE NATIONAL ACADEMIES OF SCIENCES, ENGINEERING, AND MEDICINE
Division on Engineering and Physical Sciences
Space Studies Board
Committee on the Astrobiology Science Strategy for the Search for Life in the Universe
*****
Congressional Briefings
Tue, Oct 9, 2018
512 Dirksen Senate Office Bldg. – 2:00 p.m.
and
Wed, Oct 10, 2018
394 Ford House Office Bldg. – 9:00 a.m.
and
Wed, Oct 10, 2018
H-309, The Capitol Bldg. – 2:00 p.m.
on
An Astrobiology Strategy for the Search for Life in the Universe Astrobiology is the study of the origin, evolution, distribution, and future of life in the universe. It is an inherently interdisciplinary field that encompasses astronomy, biology, geology, heliophysics, and planetary science, including complementary laboratory activities and field studies conducted in a wide range of terrestrial environments. Combining inherent scientific interest and public appeal, the search for life in the solar system and beyond provides a scientific rationale for many current and future activities carried out by the National Aeronautics and Science Administration (NASA) and other national and international agencies and organizations.
Requested by Congress in
P.L. 115-10, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Transition Authorization Act of 2017, this new report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine offers a science strategy for astrobiology that outlines key scientific questions, identifies the most promising research in the field, and indicates the extent to which the mission priorities in existing decadal surveys address the search for life’s origin, evolution, distribution, and future in the universe. This report makes recommendations for advancing the research, obtaining the measurements, and realizing NASA’s goal to search for signs of life in the universe.
These briefings were for members of Congress and congressional staff only. The report was publicly released on October 10, 2018 and can be found, in its entirety, on the Web site of the National Academies Press.