astrobiology
Scientists look ahead to the search for past Martian life with Perseverance
On the eve of the landing of the rover Perseverance on Mars, scientists are looking ahead to the work it will do searching for evidence of past life on the planet and collecting samples for return to Earth.
Is Venus a living hell? Conversation with astrobiologist David Grinspoon
The detection of phosphene gas in the clouds of Venus has given rise to the thought of extraterrestrial “aerial” life on hostile Venus. This promising find begs the question: Now what? SpaceNews contributor Leonard David discussed this issue with astrobiologist David Grinspoon, a senior scientist at the Planetary Science Institute and an expert on surface-atmospheric interactions on terrestrial planets, such as Venus.
NASA to shut down astrobiology virtual institute
NASA is planning to replace its two-decade-old virtual institute devoted to astrobiology with a looser network of research teams, a move the agency said reflects the maturity of the field but which has some scientists concerned.
“Ocean Worlds” discoveries build case for new missions
Discoveries involving two “ocean world” moons in the outer solar system announced April 13 are likely to bolster the case for planned and proposed spacecraft missions to those worlds.
NASA Astrobiology Strategy Nearing Completion
A long-delayed strategy to guide NASA’s efforts to search for life beyond Earth is finally nearing completion, more than a year later than originally planned, the agency’s chief scientist said Sept. 29.
