Biosignatures – The space experiment BioSigN as example how to achieve the goal to detect them

Kurzfassung

The characterization and detection of biosignatures is a challenging task, but one that needs to be solved before a new generation of instruments is used within remote and in situ life detection missions to explore other planets and moons. The definition and finally the detection of in situ investigable biosignatures is closely related to the question “what is life?” and therefore the definition of life. Differences on the unambiguousness of biosignatures occur according to their nature of types as fossils or remnants of extinct life or as indicators of extant life. Specific tests, preparing methodologies and analysis concepts to build useful biosignature data bases and mission payloads which serve for in situ life detection in the solar system will be presented and related to the concept of the up-coming new ESA space experiment BioSigN on the ISS. Such kind of experiments are necessary to get a well-defined strategy to search for life not only from the orbit but directly on the surface of terrestrial planets or icy moons. A complex logistical effort is needed to support such exploration missions and a significant amount of preparation and investigation is required to prevent and eliminate pitfalls and errors, which may occur during the technical and scientific operations. Herein is suggested a systematic approach to prepare for “life-detection” missions, and an overview is given on the necessary steps in order to search for life in-situ on other planets or moons. Results obtained from research performed in the field, in the lab and in space will help to enhance our knowledge regarding the traces and signatures of life, and how to recognize life itself.