Acta Astronautica Archives - Astrobiology

South polar stereographic projection of the Enceladus flybys for the Case 1 trajectory obtained in full fidelity and with all constraints. Numbered markers indicate each flyby and are placed at the point of closest approach, while the altitude evolution through the flyby hyperbola is mapped with a colorbar. -- Acta Astronautica

Astrochemistry, Astrogeology, Biochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Biophysics, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Cryobiology, Habitable Zones, Icy Worlds, Missions & Hardware, Sample Return, Status Report, Titan, Water/Hycean Worlds & Oceanography

Trajectory Design For A Titan-Enceladus Plume Sampling Pseudo-orbiter Mission

by Keith CowingJune 21, 2026June 21, 2026

The exploration of the Saturnian system, and in particular the plumes and subsurface ocean of Enceladus, has been identified as a key science theme for ESA’s Voyage 2050 program.

Workflow of space missions. A. BOSS: Cyanobacterial biofilms were air-dried on the ground and integrated in the EXPOSE-R2 facility. Dried samples were exposed in LEO for 1.5 years. After retrieval to Earth dried cells were tested for viability and biomarker detectability. B. BIOMEX: Cyanobacterial cells were mixed with Martian and Lunar regolith simulants, air-dried on the ground and integrated in the EXPOSE-R2 facility. Dried samples were exposed in LEO for 1.5 years. After retrieval to Earth dried cells were tested for viability and biomarker detectability, while re-hydrated cells were investigated for genome integrity. C. BIOSIGN: Cyanobacterial cells will be mixed with Martian regolith simulant, air-dried on the ground and integrated in the EXPO2 facility. After retrieval to Earth dried cells will be analyzed for viability and biomarker detectability. D. CyanoTechRider: Cyanobacterial cells will be air-dried, exposed to ionizing radiation and integrated into the Space Rider. Dried cells will be re-hydrated in orbit and the genome sequenced after retrieval to Earth.

Analog Studies, Atmospheres, Climate, Weather, Away Teams & Field Reports, Biogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Biophysics, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Desert Worlds, Extremeophiles and Extreme Environments, Fossils & Paleontology, Icy Worlds, Life Support Systems, Mars, Microbiology & Virology, Origin & Evolution of Life, Sample Return, Status Report

Desert Cyanobacteria Under Non-Earth Conditions: Implications For Astrobiology And Sustainable Life Support

by Keith CowingNovember 16, 2025November 15, 2025

The astonishing capability of life to adapt to extreme conditions provides a new perspective on what habitable means.

Accelerated Biological Evolution In Outer Space -- Grok via Astrobiology.com

Astrobiology (general), Genomics, Proteomics, Bioinformatics, Habitable Zones, Origin & Evolution of Life, Societal Issues, Space Life Science, Status Report

Accelerated Biological Evolution In Outer Space: Insights From Numerical Analysis

by Keith CowingJanuary 2, 2025January 2, 2025

As humanity continues its space exploration, understanding biological evolution in extraterrestrial environments will become crucial. On Earth, organisms have adapted to new environments, and some genetic data indicate positive natural […]

This finely detailed image shows the heart of NGC 1097, a barred spiral galaxy that lies about 48 million light-years from Earth in the constellation Fornax. Larger image

AI - Data - Apps - Cybernetics, SETI & Technosignatures, Societal Issues, Status Report

Is Artificial Intelligence The Great Filter That Makes Advanced Technical Civilisations Rare In The Universe?

by Keith CowingApril 15, 2024

This study examines the hypothesis that the rapid development of Artificial Intelligence (AI), culminating in the emergence of Artificial Superintelligence (ASI), could act as a “Great Filter” that is responsible […]