An Astrobiology Strategy for the Search for Life in the Universe
2019

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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 NASA, this study 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.

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188 pages · 8.5 x 11 · paperback
ISBN Paperback: 0-309-48416-2
ISBN Ebook: 0-309-48417-0
DOI: https://doi.org/10.17226/25252

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National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2019. An Astrobiology Strategy for the Search for Life in the Universe. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press.

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Front Matter i-xii
Summary 1-7
1 The Search for Life in the Universe: Past, Present, and Future 8-16
2 Dynamic Habitability 17-43
3 Comparative Planetology and Multiparameter Habitability Assessment 44-63
4 Biosignature Identification and Interpretation 64-86
5 Evolution in the Technology and Programmatic Landscape 87-100
6 The Search for Life in the Coming Decades 101-143
7 Leveraging Partnerships 144-154
Appendixes 155-156
Appendix A: Congressional Mandate and Letter of Request 157-159
Appendix B: Statement of Task 160-160
Appendix C: List of White Papers 161-163
Appendix D: Biographies of Committee Members 164-168
Appendix E: Glossary and Acronyms 169-176

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An Astrobiology Strategy for the Search for Life in the Universe (2019)

Chapter: 4 Biosignature Identification and Interpretation

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An Astrobiology Strategy for the Search for Life in the Universe (2019)

Chapter: 4 Biosignature Identification and Interpretation