Astrobiology Update

Director’s Corner – Message from NASA Astrobiology Institute Director Carl Pilcher, NAI

“The clearest expression that astrobiology doesn’t “measure up” comes from the Administrator of NASA himself, Mike Griffin. Mike has testified before Congress that he does not see astrobiology as having the same importance as other components of the NASA science portfolio. He’s also been quoted as saying that it has less intrinsic subject matter, is less advanced, and that its questions are more vague. Shortly before I left NASA Headquarters I had the opportunity to have an “elevator conversation” with Mike about some of his perceptions about astrobiology.”