Pillars of Research: The Toolkit to Find Life in the Universe

Atmospheric Spectral Signatures

We focus on planets and moons orbiting stars bright enough for future atmosphere follow-up, especially Mini- to Super-Earths (rocky terrestrial planets of 0.5-10 Earth masses) orbiting in the “Habitable Zones” around their host stars.

Engaging With Life on Earth

We use Earth biota as a Rosetta Stone for the search for life on other worlds. We include life forms that are called “extreme” on our own planet, but could be dominant on other worlds and develop observing strategies and mission concepts for future searches.

Habitable Environments

We explore the Solar System to understand how giant planets and their moons form and evolve, to search for habitable environments on and within moons (like Enceladus, Europa and Titan), and to examine the farthest bodies in the solar system for clues to the early history of the solar system.

Planetary Environments

We examine Earth and Solar System input of geophysical fluid dynamics and thermal evolution of solid planets and the tectonic, glacial and volcanic features that shape their surfaces to model and study a wide range of possible planets and moons inside and outside our own Solar System.

Planetary System Formation and Evolution

We use Earth and Solar System input of geophysical fluid dynamics and thermal evolution of solid planets and the tectonic, glacial and volcanic features that shape their surfaces to model and study a wide range of possible planets and moons inside and outside our own Solar System.

Technological Development and Missions

We look at new approaches to space exploration, including technologies that may someday enable robotic missions to another solar system, cube sats and robotic eels.