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Astrobiology at NASA

Since awarding its first exobiology grant in 1959, NASA has been engaged in astrobiology research. NASA’s Astrobiology Program investigates life in the Universe on many levels: how it began, how it evolved here on Earth, and where it might exist elsewhere. This site offers the latest discoveries, insights into astrobiology’s role in NASA missions, educational resources, and opportunities to get involved in this cutting edge field. 

👁 This illustration depicts a warm hued underwater landscape framed by a spherical cave opening. The microscopic building blocks of life - molecules, amino acids, proteins, bacteria, microorganisms, and extremophiles - appear to grow on surfaces and float throughout the composition. Ediacaran fossils are embedded in the surrounding rock. Hot smokers and stromatolites decorate the foreground and slime molds and lichens fill out the scene. A central hydrothermal vent emits glowing gold particles which coalesce into the shape of a human being. Molecular structures intersperse with these particles and drift upward toward the water’s blue-lit surface. The rippling reflection on surface resembles a distant spiral galaxy. From stars to life, we are the same.

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Astrobiology Mailing List

Get the latest in news, events, and opportunities

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A Most Unusual Lake

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NASA’s Dragonfly Mission Begins Rotorcraft Integration, Testing Stage

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NASA Study: Non-biologic Processes Don’t Fully Explain Mars Organics

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Featured Video

OUR ALIEN EARTH

The NASA Astrobiology Program is proud to present a brand new episode of Our Alien Earth, a documentary series that follows teams of astrobiologists to the most extreme environments on Earth, to better understand the nature of life and how to find it elsewhere in the Universe.

Watch the full series on NASA+

NASA Missions Supporting Astrobiology Research

Europa Clipper

Earth's first mission to conduct a detailed investigation of Jupiter's moon Europa, where scientists predict a salty ocean beneath its icy crust may hold the building blocks necessary to sustain life.

Mars 2020: Perseverance

This rover and its aerial sidekick Ingenuity were assigned to study the geology of Mars and seek signs of ancient microbial life, and collect samples of rock and soil for their possible return to Earth.

OSIRIS-REx

OSIRIS-REx delivered to Earth material from asteroid Bennu, which may offer clues to whether asteroids colliding with Earth billions of years ago brought water and other ingredients for life.

Habitable Worlds Observatory

HWO is a large infrared/optical/ultraviolet space telescope recommended by the National Academies' Astro2020 decadal. HWO will be the first telescope designed specifically to search for signs of life on planets orbiting other stars.

Featured Video

What You Need to Know About Astrobiology

How did life begin on Earth? Does life exist beyond our home planet? How do we search for it? These are the really tough questions astrobiologists want to answer by studying life as we know it. Here's what you need to know about our search for life in the cosmos.

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NASA for Kids | ELI5

Explain It Like I'm Five: Episode 1: The OSIRIS-REx Mission: Our First Asteroid Sample Return!

Space missions are awesome—but can you explain it like I’m five? NASA’s got you covered! Whether you’re a curious kid or a grown-up with big questions, our new series breaks down the science of space in a fun, easy way…Because rocket science doesn't have to be hard!

👁 A person gestures with both hands to their right side. The text "ELI5 OSIRIS-REx Mission" is prominent at center. The NASA and OSIRIS-REx mission logos are also shown.
Life on Earth required a bunch of special ingredients to get started — but where did they come from? That’s the big question NASA’s OSIRIS-REx mission is helping astrobiologists answer.
Directed, Shot, & Edited by Mike Toillion (NASA Astrobiology) Produced by Tahira Allen (NASA Astrobiology) Featuring Dr. Hannah Kaplan (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center) Special Appearance by Dr. Lindsay Hays (NASA)