The Experts below are selected from a list of 360 Experts worldwide ranked by ideXlab platform
Zita Martins - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Space as a Tool for Astrobiology: Review and Recommendations for Experimentations in Earth Orbit and Beyond
Space Science Reviews, 2017Co-Authors: Hervé Cottin, René Demets, Louis D’hendecourt, Julia Michelle Kotler, Charles Cockell, Daniela Billi, Andreas Elsaesser, Pascale Ehrenfreund, Jack J. W. A. Van Loon, Zita MartinsAbstract:The space environment is regularly used for experiments addressing Astrobiology research goals. The specific conditions prevailing in Earth orbit and beyond, notably the radiative environment (photons and energetic particles) and the possibility to conduct long-duration measurements, have been the main motivations for developing experimental concepts to expose chemical or biological samples to outer space, or to use the reentry of a spacecraft on Earth to simulate the fall of a meteorite. This paper represents an overview of past and current research in Astrobiology conducted in Earth orbit and beyond, with a special focus on ESA missions such as Biopan, STONE (on Russian FOTON capsules) and EXPOSE facilities (outside the International Space Station). The future of exposure platforms is discussed, notably how they can be improved for better science return, and how to incorporate the use of small satellites such as those built in cubesat format.
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Astrobiology and the Possibility of Life on Earth and Elsewhere…
Space Science Reviews, 2017Co-Authors: Hervé Cottin, Inge L. Ten Kate, Julia Michelle Kotler, Jean-pierre P. Vera, Charles Cockell, Kristin Bartik, Stefan Leuko, Pascale Ehrenfreund, H. James Cleaves, Zita MartinsAbstract:Astrobiology is an interdisciplinary scientific field not only focused on the search of extraterrestrial life, but also on deciphering the key environmental parameters that have enabled the emergence of life on Earth. Understanding these physical and chemical parameters is fundamental knowledge necessary not only for discovering life or signs of life on other planets, but also for understanding our own terrestrial environment. Therefore, Astrobiology pushes us to combine different perspectives such as the conditions on the primitive Earth, the physicochemical limits of life, exploration of habitable environments in the Solar System, and the search for signatures of life in exoplanets. Chemists, biologists, geologists, planetologists and astrophysicists are contributing extensively to this interdisciplinary research field. From 2011 to 2014, the European Space Agency (ESA) had the initiative to gather a Topical Team of interdisciplinary scientists focused on Astrobiology to review the profound transformations in the field that have occurred since the beginning of the new century. The present paper is an interdisciplinary review of current research in Astrobiology, covering the major advances and main outlooks in the field. The following subjects will be reviewed and most recent discoveries will be highlighted: the new understanding of planetary system formation including the specificity of the Earth among the diversity of planets, the origin of water on Earth and its unique combined properties among solvents for the emergence of life, the idea that the Earth could have been habitable during the Hadean Era, the inventory of endogenous and exogenous sources of organic matter and new concepts about how chemistry could evolve towards biological molecules and biological systems. In addition, many new findings show the remarkable potential life has for adaptation and survival in extreme environments. All those results from different fields of science are guiding our perspectives and strategies to look for life in other Solar System objects as well as beyond, in extrasolar worlds.
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Earth as a Tool for Astrobiology - A European Perspective
Space Science Reviews, 2017Co-Authors: Zita Martins, René Demets, Hervé Cottin, Julia Michelle Kotler, Charles Cockell, Nathalie Carrasco, Rosa De La Torre Noetzel, Jean-pierre De Vera, Louis D'hendecourt, Pascale EhrenfreundAbstract:Scientists use the Earth as a tool for Astrobiology by analyzing planetary field analogues (i.e. terrestrial samples and field sites that resemble planetary bodies in our Solar System). In addition, they expose the selected planetary field analogues in simulation chambers to conditions that mimic the ones of planets, moons and Low Earth Orbit (LEO) space conditions, as well as the chemistry occurring in interstellar and cometary ices. This paper reviews the ways the Earth is used by astrobiologists: (i) by conducting planetary field analogue studies to investigate extant life from extreme environments, its metabolisms, adaptation strategies and modern biosignatures; (ii) by conducting planetary field analogue studies to investigate extinct life from the oldest rocks on our planet and its biosignatures; (iii) by exposing terrestrial samples to simulated space or planetary environments and producing a sample analogue to investigate changes in minerals, biosignatures and microorganisms. The European Space Agency (ESA) created a topical team in 2011 to investigate recent activities using the Earth as a tool for Astrobiology and to formulate recommendations and scientific needs to improve ground-based astrobiological research. Space is an important tool for Astrobiology (see Horneck et al. in Astrobiology, 16:201–243, 2016; Cottin et al., 2017), but access to space is limited. Complementing research on Earth provides fast access, more replications and higher sample throughput. The major conclusions of the topical team and suggestions for the future include more scientifically qualified calls for field campaigns with planetary analogy, and a centralized point of contact at ESA or the EU for the organization of a survey of such expeditions. An improvement of the coordinated logistics, infrastructures and funding system supporting the combination of field work with planetary simulation investigations, as well as an optimization of the scientific return and data processing, data storage and data distribution is also needed. Finally, a coordinated EU or ESA education and outreach program would improve the participation of the public in the astrobiological activities.
Pascale Ehrenfreund - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Space as a Tool for Astrobiology: Review and Recommendations for Experimentations in Earth Orbit and Beyond
Space Science Reviews, 2017Co-Authors: Hervé Cottin, René Demets, Louis D’hendecourt, Julia Michelle Kotler, Charles Cockell, Daniela Billi, Andreas Elsaesser, Pascale Ehrenfreund, Jack J. W. A. Van Loon, Zita MartinsAbstract:The space environment is regularly used for experiments addressing Astrobiology research goals. The specific conditions prevailing in Earth orbit and beyond, notably the radiative environment (photons and energetic particles) and the possibility to conduct long-duration measurements, have been the main motivations for developing experimental concepts to expose chemical or biological samples to outer space, or to use the reentry of a spacecraft on Earth to simulate the fall of a meteorite. This paper represents an overview of past and current research in Astrobiology conducted in Earth orbit and beyond, with a special focus on ESA missions such as Biopan, STONE (on Russian FOTON capsules) and EXPOSE facilities (outside the International Space Station). The future of exposure platforms is discussed, notably how they can be improved for better science return, and how to incorporate the use of small satellites such as those built in cubesat format.
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Astrobiology and the Possibility of Life on Earth and Elsewhere…
Space Science Reviews, 2017Co-Authors: Hervé Cottin, Inge L. Ten Kate, Julia Michelle Kotler, Jean-pierre P. Vera, Charles Cockell, Kristin Bartik, Stefan Leuko, Pascale Ehrenfreund, H. James Cleaves, Zita MartinsAbstract:Astrobiology is an interdisciplinary scientific field not only focused on the search of extraterrestrial life, but also on deciphering the key environmental parameters that have enabled the emergence of life on Earth. Understanding these physical and chemical parameters is fundamental knowledge necessary not only for discovering life or signs of life on other planets, but also for understanding our own terrestrial environment. Therefore, Astrobiology pushes us to combine different perspectives such as the conditions on the primitive Earth, the physicochemical limits of life, exploration of habitable environments in the Solar System, and the search for signatures of life in exoplanets. Chemists, biologists, geologists, planetologists and astrophysicists are contributing extensively to this interdisciplinary research field. From 2011 to 2014, the European Space Agency (ESA) had the initiative to gather a Topical Team of interdisciplinary scientists focused on Astrobiology to review the profound transformations in the field that have occurred since the beginning of the new century. The present paper is an interdisciplinary review of current research in Astrobiology, covering the major advances and main outlooks in the field. The following subjects will be reviewed and most recent discoveries will be highlighted: the new understanding of planetary system formation including the specificity of the Earth among the diversity of planets, the origin of water on Earth and its unique combined properties among solvents for the emergence of life, the idea that the Earth could have been habitable during the Hadean Era, the inventory of endogenous and exogenous sources of organic matter and new concepts about how chemistry could evolve towards biological molecules and biological systems. In addition, many new findings show the remarkable potential life has for adaptation and survival in extreme environments. All those results from different fields of science are guiding our perspectives and strategies to look for life in other Solar System objects as well as beyond, in extrasolar worlds.
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Earth as a Tool for Astrobiology - A European Perspective
Space Science Reviews, 2017Co-Authors: Zita Martins, René Demets, Hervé Cottin, Julia Michelle Kotler, Charles Cockell, Nathalie Carrasco, Rosa De La Torre Noetzel, Jean-pierre De Vera, Louis D'hendecourt, Pascale EhrenfreundAbstract:Scientists use the Earth as a tool for Astrobiology by analyzing planetary field analogues (i.e. terrestrial samples and field sites that resemble planetary bodies in our Solar System). In addition, they expose the selected planetary field analogues in simulation chambers to conditions that mimic the ones of planets, moons and Low Earth Orbit (LEO) space conditions, as well as the chemistry occurring in interstellar and cometary ices. This paper reviews the ways the Earth is used by astrobiologists: (i) by conducting planetary field analogue studies to investigate extant life from extreme environments, its metabolisms, adaptation strategies and modern biosignatures; (ii) by conducting planetary field analogue studies to investigate extinct life from the oldest rocks on our planet and its biosignatures; (iii) by exposing terrestrial samples to simulated space or planetary environments and producing a sample analogue to investigate changes in minerals, biosignatures and microorganisms. The European Space Agency (ESA) created a topical team in 2011 to investigate recent activities using the Earth as a tool for Astrobiology and to formulate recommendations and scientific needs to improve ground-based astrobiological research. Space is an important tool for Astrobiology (see Horneck et al. in Astrobiology, 16:201–243, 2016; Cottin et al., 2017), but access to space is limited. Complementing research on Earth provides fast access, more replications and higher sample throughput. The major conclusions of the topical team and suggestions for the future include more scientifically qualified calls for field campaigns with planetary analogy, and a centralized point of contact at ESA or the EU for the organization of a survey of such expeditions. An improvement of the coordinated logistics, infrastructures and funding system supporting the combination of field work with planetary simulation investigations, as well as an optimization of the scientific return and data processing, data storage and data distribution is also needed. Finally, a coordinated EU or ESA education and outreach program would improve the participation of the public in the astrobiological activities.
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The Astrobiology of Nucleobases
The Astrophysical Journal, 2003Co-Authors: Z. Peeters, Oliver Botta, S. B. Charnley, R. Ruiterkamp, Pascale EhrenfreundAbstract:Nucleobases are nitrogen heterocycles (N-heterocycles) that are essential components of the genetic material in all living organisms. Extraterrestrial nucleobases have been found in several carbonaceous chondrites, but only in traces. No astronomical data on these complex molecules are currently available. A large fraction of the cosmic carbon is known to be incorporated into aromatic material, and given the relatively high abundance of cosmic nitrogen, the presence of N-heterocycles can be expected. We present infrared spectroscopic laboratory data of adenine and uracil under simulated space conditions. At the same time we tested the stability of these nucleobases against ultraviolet (UV) irradiation at 12 K. Our experimental results indicate that gas-phase adenine and uracil will be destroyed within hours in the Earth's vicinity. In dense interstellar clouds exposed to UV radiation, only adenine could be expected to survive for a few million years. We discuss possible formation routes to purines and pyrimidines in circumstellar environments and in meteorite parent bodies.
Charles Cockell - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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venus an Astrobiology target
Lunar and Planetary Science Conference, 2021Co-Authors: S S Limaye, Charles Cockell, Rakesh Mogul, Kevin H Baines, Mark A Bullock, James A Cutts, Diana Gentry, David H Grinspoon, J W Head, Kandislea JessupAbstract:We present a case for the exploration of Venus as an Astrobiology target-(1) investigations focused on the likelihood that liquid water existed on the surface in the past, leading to the potential for the origin and evolution of life, (2) investigations into the potential for habitable zones within Venus' present-day clouds and Venus-like exo atmospheres, (3) theoretical investigations into how active aerobiology may impact the radiative energy balance of Venus' clouds and Venus-like atmospheres, and (4) application of these investigative approaches toward better understanding the atmospheric dynamics and habitability of exoplanets. The proximity of Venus to Earth, guidance for exoplanet habitability investigations, and access to the potential cloud habitable layer and surface for prolonged in situ extended measurements together make the planet a very attractive target for near term astrobiological exploration.
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biosignatures for Astrobiology
2018Co-Authors: Frances Westall, Charles CockellAbstract:Foreword -- Preface -- Chemical Biosignatures at the Origins -- Organic Matter in Interplanetary Dusts and Meteorites -- Biosignatures of Cellular Components and Metabolic Activity -- The Deep Subseafloor and Biosignatures -- A Systematic Way to Life Detection – Combining Field, Lab and Space Research in Low Earth Orbit -- Mineralogical Identification of Traces of Life -- Biosignatures in Deep Time -- The Search for Biosignatures in Martian Meteorite Allan Hills 84001 -- Role of Mineral Surfaces in Prebiotic Processes and Space-like Conditions -- Photochemistry and Photoreactions of Organic Molecules in Space -- Exoplanetary Biosignatures for Astrobiology -- The Enigma of Methane on Mars -- Detection of Biosignatures Using Raman Spectroscopy -- Searching for Signs of Life on Other Planets: Mars a Case Study -- The History and Philosophy of Biosignatures.
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Space as a Tool for Astrobiology: Review and Recommendations for Experimentations in Earth Orbit and Beyond
Space Science Reviews, 2017Co-Authors: Hervé Cottin, René Demets, Louis D’hendecourt, Julia Michelle Kotler, Charles Cockell, Daniela Billi, Andreas Elsaesser, Pascale Ehrenfreund, Jack J. W. A. Van Loon, Zita MartinsAbstract:The space environment is regularly used for experiments addressing Astrobiology research goals. The specific conditions prevailing in Earth orbit and beyond, notably the radiative environment (photons and energetic particles) and the possibility to conduct long-duration measurements, have been the main motivations for developing experimental concepts to expose chemical or biological samples to outer space, or to use the reentry of a spacecraft on Earth to simulate the fall of a meteorite. This paper represents an overview of past and current research in Astrobiology conducted in Earth orbit and beyond, with a special focus on ESA missions such as Biopan, STONE (on Russian FOTON capsules) and EXPOSE facilities (outside the International Space Station). The future of exposure platforms is discussed, notably how they can be improved for better science return, and how to incorporate the use of small satellites such as those built in cubesat format.
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Astrobiology and the Possibility of Life on Earth and Elsewhere…
Space Science Reviews, 2017Co-Authors: Hervé Cottin, Inge L. Ten Kate, Julia Michelle Kotler, Jean-pierre P. Vera, Charles Cockell, Kristin Bartik, Stefan Leuko, Pascale Ehrenfreund, H. James Cleaves, Zita MartinsAbstract:Astrobiology is an interdisciplinary scientific field not only focused on the search of extraterrestrial life, but also on deciphering the key environmental parameters that have enabled the emergence of life on Earth. Understanding these physical and chemical parameters is fundamental knowledge necessary not only for discovering life or signs of life on other planets, but also for understanding our own terrestrial environment. Therefore, Astrobiology pushes us to combine different perspectives such as the conditions on the primitive Earth, the physicochemical limits of life, exploration of habitable environments in the Solar System, and the search for signatures of life in exoplanets. Chemists, biologists, geologists, planetologists and astrophysicists are contributing extensively to this interdisciplinary research field. From 2011 to 2014, the European Space Agency (ESA) had the initiative to gather a Topical Team of interdisciplinary scientists focused on Astrobiology to review the profound transformations in the field that have occurred since the beginning of the new century. The present paper is an interdisciplinary review of current research in Astrobiology, covering the major advances and main outlooks in the field. The following subjects will be reviewed and most recent discoveries will be highlighted: the new understanding of planetary system formation including the specificity of the Earth among the diversity of planets, the origin of water on Earth and its unique combined properties among solvents for the emergence of life, the idea that the Earth could have been habitable during the Hadean Era, the inventory of endogenous and exogenous sources of organic matter and new concepts about how chemistry could evolve towards biological molecules and biological systems. In addition, many new findings show the remarkable potential life has for adaptation and survival in extreme environments. All those results from different fields of science are guiding our perspectives and strategies to look for life in other Solar System objects as well as beyond, in extrasolar worlds.
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Earth as a Tool for Astrobiology - A European Perspective
Space Science Reviews, 2017Co-Authors: Zita Martins, René Demets, Hervé Cottin, Julia Michelle Kotler, Charles Cockell, Nathalie Carrasco, Rosa De La Torre Noetzel, Jean-pierre De Vera, Louis D'hendecourt, Pascale EhrenfreundAbstract:Scientists use the Earth as a tool for Astrobiology by analyzing planetary field analogues (i.e. terrestrial samples and field sites that resemble planetary bodies in our Solar System). In addition, they expose the selected planetary field analogues in simulation chambers to conditions that mimic the ones of planets, moons and Low Earth Orbit (LEO) space conditions, as well as the chemistry occurring in interstellar and cometary ices. This paper reviews the ways the Earth is used by astrobiologists: (i) by conducting planetary field analogue studies to investigate extant life from extreme environments, its metabolisms, adaptation strategies and modern biosignatures; (ii) by conducting planetary field analogue studies to investigate extinct life from the oldest rocks on our planet and its biosignatures; (iii) by exposing terrestrial samples to simulated space or planetary environments and producing a sample analogue to investigate changes in minerals, biosignatures and microorganisms. The European Space Agency (ESA) created a topical team in 2011 to investigate recent activities using the Earth as a tool for Astrobiology and to formulate recommendations and scientific needs to improve ground-based astrobiological research. Space is an important tool for Astrobiology (see Horneck et al. in Astrobiology, 16:201–243, 2016; Cottin et al., 2017), but access to space is limited. Complementing research on Earth provides fast access, more replications and higher sample throughput. The major conclusions of the topical team and suggestions for the future include more scientifically qualified calls for field campaigns with planetary analogy, and a centralized point of contact at ESA or the EU for the organization of a survey of such expeditions. An improvement of the coordinated logistics, infrastructures and funding system supporting the combination of field work with planetary simulation investigations, as well as an optimization of the scientific return and data processing, data storage and data distribution is also needed. Finally, a coordinated EU or ESA education and outreach program would improve the participation of the public in the astrobiological activities.
Hervé Cottin - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Space as a Tool for Astrobiology: Review and Recommendations for Experimentations in Earth Orbit and Beyond
Space Science Reviews, 2017Co-Authors: Hervé Cottin, René Demets, Louis D’hendecourt, Julia Michelle Kotler, Charles Cockell, Daniela Billi, Andreas Elsaesser, Pascale Ehrenfreund, Jack J. W. A. Van Loon, Zita MartinsAbstract:The space environment is regularly used for experiments addressing Astrobiology research goals. The specific conditions prevailing in Earth orbit and beyond, notably the radiative environment (photons and energetic particles) and the possibility to conduct long-duration measurements, have been the main motivations for developing experimental concepts to expose chemical or biological samples to outer space, or to use the reentry of a spacecraft on Earth to simulate the fall of a meteorite. This paper represents an overview of past and current research in Astrobiology conducted in Earth orbit and beyond, with a special focus on ESA missions such as Biopan, STONE (on Russian FOTON capsules) and EXPOSE facilities (outside the International Space Station). The future of exposure platforms is discussed, notably how they can be improved for better science return, and how to incorporate the use of small satellites such as those built in cubesat format.
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Astrobiology and the Possibility of Life on Earth and Elsewhere…
Space Science Reviews, 2017Co-Authors: Hervé Cottin, Inge L. Ten Kate, Julia Michelle Kotler, Jean-pierre P. Vera, Charles Cockell, Kristin Bartik, Stefan Leuko, Pascale Ehrenfreund, H. James Cleaves, Zita MartinsAbstract:Astrobiology is an interdisciplinary scientific field not only focused on the search of extraterrestrial life, but also on deciphering the key environmental parameters that have enabled the emergence of life on Earth. Understanding these physical and chemical parameters is fundamental knowledge necessary not only for discovering life or signs of life on other planets, but also for understanding our own terrestrial environment. Therefore, Astrobiology pushes us to combine different perspectives such as the conditions on the primitive Earth, the physicochemical limits of life, exploration of habitable environments in the Solar System, and the search for signatures of life in exoplanets. Chemists, biologists, geologists, planetologists and astrophysicists are contributing extensively to this interdisciplinary research field. From 2011 to 2014, the European Space Agency (ESA) had the initiative to gather a Topical Team of interdisciplinary scientists focused on Astrobiology to review the profound transformations in the field that have occurred since the beginning of the new century. The present paper is an interdisciplinary review of current research in Astrobiology, covering the major advances and main outlooks in the field. The following subjects will be reviewed and most recent discoveries will be highlighted: the new understanding of planetary system formation including the specificity of the Earth among the diversity of planets, the origin of water on Earth and its unique combined properties among solvents for the emergence of life, the idea that the Earth could have been habitable during the Hadean Era, the inventory of endogenous and exogenous sources of organic matter and new concepts about how chemistry could evolve towards biological molecules and biological systems. In addition, many new findings show the remarkable potential life has for adaptation and survival in extreme environments. All those results from different fields of science are guiding our perspectives and strategies to look for life in other Solar System objects as well as beyond, in extrasolar worlds.
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Earth as a Tool for Astrobiology - A European Perspective
Space Science Reviews, 2017Co-Authors: Zita Martins, René Demets, Hervé Cottin, Julia Michelle Kotler, Charles Cockell, Nathalie Carrasco, Rosa De La Torre Noetzel, Jean-pierre De Vera, Louis D'hendecourt, Pascale EhrenfreundAbstract:Scientists use the Earth as a tool for Astrobiology by analyzing planetary field analogues (i.e. terrestrial samples and field sites that resemble planetary bodies in our Solar System). In addition, they expose the selected planetary field analogues in simulation chambers to conditions that mimic the ones of planets, moons and Low Earth Orbit (LEO) space conditions, as well as the chemistry occurring in interstellar and cometary ices. This paper reviews the ways the Earth is used by astrobiologists: (i) by conducting planetary field analogue studies to investigate extant life from extreme environments, its metabolisms, adaptation strategies and modern biosignatures; (ii) by conducting planetary field analogue studies to investigate extinct life from the oldest rocks on our planet and its biosignatures; (iii) by exposing terrestrial samples to simulated space or planetary environments and producing a sample analogue to investigate changes in minerals, biosignatures and microorganisms. The European Space Agency (ESA) created a topical team in 2011 to investigate recent activities using the Earth as a tool for Astrobiology and to formulate recommendations and scientific needs to improve ground-based astrobiological research. Space is an important tool for Astrobiology (see Horneck et al. in Astrobiology, 16:201–243, 2016; Cottin et al., 2017), but access to space is limited. Complementing research on Earth provides fast access, more replications and higher sample throughput. The major conclusions of the topical team and suggestions for the future include more scientifically qualified calls for field campaigns with planetary analogy, and a centralized point of contact at ESA or the EU for the organization of a survey of such expeditions. An improvement of the coordinated logistics, infrastructures and funding system supporting the combination of field work with planetary simulation investigations, as well as an optimization of the scientific return and data processing, data storage and data distribution is also needed. Finally, a coordinated EU or ESA education and outreach program would improve the participation of the public in the astrobiological activities.
Jon Rask - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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the Astrobiology primer an outline of general knowledge version 1 2006
Astrobiology, 2006Co-Authors: L Billings, Margaret S. Race, V Cameron, Mark Claire, Gregory J Dick, Shawn Domagalgoldman, Emmanuelle Javaux, O J Johnson, C Laws, Jon RaskAbstract:The Astrobiology Primer has been created as a reference tool for those who are interested in the interdisciplinary field of Astrobiology. The field incorporates many diverse research endeavors, but...
