Space as a Tool for Astrobiology: Review and Recommendations for Experimentations in Earth Orbit and Beyond

Hervé Cottin*, Julia Michelle Kotler, Daniela Billi, Charles Cockell, René Demets, Pascale Ehrenfreund, Andreas Elsaesser, Louis d’Hendecourt, Jack J.W.A. van Loon, Zita Martins, Silvano Onofri, Richard C. Quinn, Elke Rabbow, Petra Rettberg, Antonio J. Ricco, Klaus Slenzka, Rosa delaTorre, Jean Pierre de Vera, Frances Westall, Nathalie CarrascoAurélien Fresneau, Yuko Kawaguchi, Yoko Kebukawa, Dara Nguyen, Olivier Poch, Kafila Saiagh, Fabien Stalport, Akihiko Yamagishi, Hajime Yano, Benjamin A. Klamm

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

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.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)83-181
Number of pages99
JournalSpace Science Reviews
Volume209
Issue number1-4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jul 2017

Cite this