can
represents an
include
has
in
might leave
From
in
using
requires
Pursues a goal of
for
calls for
may hold
flourishes in
form were there is
based on our understanding on
Requires attention to
would likely be
supports
on
Might of evolved in
requires we know
require
would of needed

Search for Evidence of
Life, past or present

Astrobiolagy

Analysis of samples

Mars

Robotic Instuments

Astronaut lab.

Planetary Protection

Acquisition of samples

Subsurface

Surface

Meteorites

Earth

Where to search

How to search

extant life

Search/site
selection strategy

extinct life

micro-
organisms

Microfossils
and/or
Fossil chemical
signature

Meteorites
from mars

life on earth

essential requirements

Biogenic elements
C, H, N, O, P, S

what to search for

energy

liquid water

extreme
environments

sub-surface
Martian environment

Early
earth like
environments

Sedimentary
evaporite or
hypothalami
deposits

preserve organic
molecules and
organic structure

rapidly
incorporate
microbes

Atmospheric
composition