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

Consensus

You must be logged in to download this publication.

Select Book Type

Paperback - $72.00
Ebook - $58.49

See project
Request an exam or desk copy

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.

Additional materials

Press Release
Public Briefing Slides
Sponsor Response Letter

Publication information

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

Suggested citation

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.

Import this citation to:

Bibtext
EndNote
Reference manager

First Name
Last Name
Email (required)
I agree to receive emails from the National Academies (required)

We respect your privacy and will never share your information.

Search this publication

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

Log In

Former MyNAP users: You'll need to reset your password on your first login to MyAcademies. Click "Forgot password" below to receive a reset link via email. Having trouble? Visit our FAQ page to contact support.

Members of the National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Engineering, or National Academy of Medicine should log in through their respective Academy portals.

Email (required)
Password (required)

Don't have an account?

Register

Email (required)
New password (required)
Retype password (required) Password must be at least 8 characters
I accept the terms of use
terms of use

Thank You

Thank you for creating a MyAcademies account!

Enjoy free access to thousands of National Academies' publications, a 10% discount off every purchase, and build your personal library.

Forgot Password

Enter the email address for your MyAcademies (formerly MyNAP) account to receive password reset instructions.

Email (required)

Reset Requested

We sent password reset instructions to your email . Follow the link in that email to create a new password. Didn't receive it? Check your spam folder or contact us for assistance.

Reset Password

New password (required)
Retype password (required) Password must be at least 8 characters

Reset Password

Your password has been reset.

Verify email

Verify Your Email Address

We sent a verification link to your email. Please check your inbox (and spam folder) and follow the link to verify your email address. If you did not receive the email, you can request a new verification link below

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

Chapter: 6 The Search for Life in the Coming Decades

Additional materials

Publication information

Suggested citation

My Academies

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

Chapter: 6 The Search for Life in the Coming Decades