This goal helps determine the chemical
building blocks of life and helps characterize potential habitats on other
planets. Although life on other planets
could have developed in different ways than life on Earth (for instance,
without water), our current knowledge of life processes serves as a starting
point for exploration. We seek to
understand all possible relationships between the occurrence of life and the
evolution of a planet. Using NASA
research techniques, we look for patterns necessary for life to begin. As this Astrobiology program matures and
potentially habitable environments are identified, the interaction potentially
habitable environments are identified, the interaction between astronomers and
NASA mission scientists will be very important, as each brings a different
perspective to the work.
Here are some example investigations to promote this goal:
1. Deploy robotic
rovers to planetary sites to analyze rocks for organic matter and fossils.
2. Develop
instruments that can survive the extreme cold temperatures and high radiation
environments on moons such as Europa.
Use results to predict the presence of energy sources that could support
life.
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