11.1 Past and current astrobiology-focused space missions

Astrobiology missions have revolutionized our understanding of life beyond Earth. From Viking's pioneering Mars experiments to Curiosity's groundbreaking discoveries, these missions have expanded our view of potentially habitable environments in the Solar System.

Current missions like Perseverance and ExoMars are pushing the boundaries further. They're searching for ancient microbial life on Mars and studying its atmosphere, bringing us closer to answering the age-old question: Are we alone in the universe?

Past Astrobiology Missions

Key objectives of past astrobiology missions

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• Viking missions (1975-1976)
  • Searched for signs of life on Mars through biological experiments
  • Characterized the Martian atmosphere and surface using remote sensing and in-situ measurements
  • Discovered unusual chemical activity in Martian soil suggesting possible presence of oxidants
  • Provided first detailed images of the Martian surface revealing diverse geological features (Valles Marineris, Olympus Mons)
• Curiosity rover (2012-present)
  • Assessed the habitability of Mars by analyzing the chemical and physical properties of rocks and soil
  • Studied the Martian climate and geology to understand the planet's past and potential to support life
  • Found evidence of ancient water environments on Mars, including a former lake in Gale Crater
  • Detected organic molecules in Martian rocks, a key ingredient for life as we know it
  • Measured variations in atmospheric methane, which could be produced by biological or geological processes
• Cassini-Huygens mission (1997-2017)
  • Studied Saturn and its moons, particularly Titan and Enceladus, to investigate the potential for life in the Saturnian system
  • Discovered hydrocarbon lakes and seas on Titan, the only known liquid bodies on a celestial body besides Earth
  • Detected water vapor and ice plumes emanating from Enceladus, suggesting the presence of a subsurface ocean
  • Found evidence of prebiotic chemistry in Titan's atmosphere, including complex organic compounds (tholins)

Current Astrobiology Missions

Current missions for extraterrestrial life

• Perseverance rover (2021-present)
  • Searches for signs of ancient microbial life on Mars in the Jezero Crater region
  • Collects and caches samples of Martian rocks and soil for future return to Earth
  • Equipped with advanced instruments (SHERLOC, PIXL) to detect organic compounds and potential biosignatures
  • Will provide the first opportunity to study Martian samples directly in Earth laboratories using state-of-the-art analytical techniques
• ExoMars mission (2016-present)
  • Searches for signs of past life on Mars through a combination of orbital and surface investigations
  • Studies the Martian atmosphere and water distribution to better understand the planet's habitability
  • Trace Gas Orbiter detects and characterizes atmospheric gases (methane, water vapor) that could be related to biological or geological activity
  • Rosalind Franklin rover (planned for 2023) will drill into the Martian surface to search for organic molecules and potential biosignatures

Impact on understanding life beyond Earth

• Expanded the range of potentially habitable environments in the Solar System
  • Discovery of ancient water environments on Mars (lakes, rivers, groundwater)
  • Identification of subsurface oceans on icy moons like Enceladus and Europa
• Provided evidence of key ingredients for life beyond Earth
  • Detection of organic molecules on Mars (chlorobenzene, thiophenes) and Titan (hydrocarbons, nitriles)
  • Presence of liquid water, energy sources, and chemical building blocks in various extraterrestrial environments
• Developed new technologies and methodologies for astrobiology research
  • Refined instruments for detecting biosignatures and organic compounds (Raman spectroscopy, mass spectrometry)
  • Established protocols for sample collection, handling, and analysis to prevent contamination and ensure scientific integrity
• Increased public interest and support for astrobiology research
  • Captured the imagination of the public through stunning images and groundbreaking discoveries
  • Justified continued funding for future missions and research aimed at understanding the origins and prevalence of life in the universe