Space Missions to Find Life 6 October 2017
Today’s News for Space Policy
NASA Life Detection Ladder
Summary Space missions can go to the spot Look in the best locales Look for selective patterns LEGO principle: small separate units can be assembled in many ways JWST can measure atmospheres of solar system and exoplanets; directly observe with spectroscopy Look for a second genesis of life
Human Role in the Search for Life 4 October 2016
Space research is risky
Summary Humans have capabilities robots do not Flexibility, persistence, adaptability important in life search But humans increase cost & risk Send robots first to determine safety and the best sites