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Astrobiology at NASA

Since awarding its first grant in 1959, NASA has been engaged 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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NASA's Perseverance Mars rover took this selfie on July 23, 2024, the 1,218th Martian day, or sol, of the mission. To the left of the rover near the center of the image is the arrowhead-shaped rock nicknamed �Cheyava Falls,� which has features that may bear on the question of whether Mars was home to microscopic life in the distant past. The small dark hole in the rock is where Perseverance took a core sample, which is now in a sample tube stored in the rover�s belly. The white patch to the right of the hole is where the rover used an abrasion tool to clear away the top surface, allowing science instruments to study the rock�s composition.

The Astrobiology Strategy

NASA's major topics of research in astrobiology

A black background of space, sprinkled with thousands of galaxies of all shapes and sizes. In the middle of the picture is an inset box showing a closeup of a pair of galaxies from the background. The larger galaxy is spiral-shaped. The other is spindle-shaped because the galaxy is seen edge-on. The smaller galaxy has a line that points to the words "supermassive black hole" that connects to a bright white spot in the middle of it.

Are We Alone?

The search for life on exoplanets

The cover of Issue 9 shows a series of planets representing disciplines of astrobiology. In front is geology, a rocky planet with volcanoes. An ocean world is half ice, half water. A microbial planet is a ball of cells. Chemistry is a ball of molecules.

Graphic Histories

A graphic novel series exploring the many facets of astrobiology

artist's concept of Europa Clipper

Europa Clipper

First mission to study Jupiter's moon Europa

News

More Astrobiology News

NASA Research Shows Path Toward Protocells on Titan

Próxima parada: el polo sur lunar

NASA Research Examines the Multicellular Behavior of Unique Bacteria

NASA’s Curiosity Rover Detects Largest Organic Molecules Found on Mars

Is There Potential for Life on Europa? We Asked a NASA Expert:…

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.

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 Perseverance Rover

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 Illustration

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.

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 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!

Watch on the NASA Astrobiology YouTube Channel

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)

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Planetary Analogs

Our planet isn't the only place with volcanoes, impact craters, quakes, and erosion. Studying Earth helps us understand other worlds…

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Mars

Mars is the fourth planet from the Sun, and the seventh largest. It’s the only planet we know of inhabited…

Europa