Exobiology in Earth Orbit: The Results of Science Workshops Held at NASA Ames Research Center

Jan 1989 · National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Office of Management, Scientific and Technical Information Division

About this eBook

This volume gives a status report on the scientific investigations which can be undertaken in the field of exobiology using instruments in Earth orbit. A brief list of these recommended experiments is given here. Those listed for the Observational Exobiology section are in order of decreasing priority as determined by a consensus of the Workshop members. Otherwise, no priorities are implied by the order in which the experiments are listed. Observational Exobiology: 1. Search for extrasolar planetary systems, 2. Study star-forming regions in the galaxy--analogs for the solar nebula, 3. Study comets, asteroids, Titan, and the giant planets in our own solar system, 4. Study the organic chemistry of interstellar molecular clouds. Cosmic Dust Collection: 1. Develop and implement capture techniques which preserve biogenic material, 2. Develop and implement techniques to determine the orbits of dust particles, 3. Refine laboratory methods for the analysis of small particles. In Situ Experiments: 1. Study the formation, condensation, aggregation, and surface chemistry of suspended dust grains, 2. Create, release, and monitor an artificial comet in space, 3. Determine the viability of microorganisms in space.