An Astrobiology Strategy for the Search for Life in the universejq

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 signsf life in the universe An Astrobiology Strategy for the Search for Life in the Universe.