In the search for life beyond Earth
How did life begin and evolve on Earth? Under which conditions can life exist? How can we detect life on a planet other than Earth, even in its simplest form? These are questions that have been asked in various ways for generations. Today, however, the development of a robust scientific programme can help better explore these long-standing questions. This requires interdisciplinary research that combines molecular biology, planetary science and space exploration technologies. The broad character of astrobiology compelled Europe's leading scientists to develop a forum for effective exchange of information. The dedicated website has been developed within the 'Astrobiology and space missions road mapping' (ASTROMAP) project. The ASTROMAP project aims to chart the future directions of astrobiology research. To achieve its objective, Europe's leading researchers have been invited to register on the ASTROMAP database and make available their own research profile. Besides the networking aspect, the information collected will be used as a starting point to draft a roadmap. The ASTROMAP roadmap will be the result of a series of consultations and topical expert workshops. This will feed in through a cross-domain integration process implemented by the project members and selected European Experts, including representatives from the European Astrobiology Network Association (EANA). In putting together the astrobiology roadmap, ASTROMAP partners want to engage as diverse a community as possible. In the online community, the team hopes to engage a wide cross-section of the European astrobiology community. It is designed specifically to support the collaboration of scientists who might not otherwise be able to physically attend workshops. Key points raised will be used to inform the four roadmapping workshops scheduled to take place during the project's lifetime. By opening up the roadmapping process, ASTROMAP partners will prepare a document that is robust and covers the wide range of disciplines encompassed by astrobiology research. The astrobiology roadmap will serve as a guide for how research proposals are selected and astrobiology goals are integrated with space missions.
Keywords
Space exploration, astrobiology, space missions, road mapping, roadmap
