Astronomy, Astrophysics & Astrobiology

Astromicrobiology is the study of microorganisms from the outer space. It is an interdisciplinary approach of astronomy and microbiology. As microorganism are the most widespread life forms on earth so it is necessary to study their life forms and try to create another ecosystem identical to them so that it will be easier to check for the existence of life. Also small and simple cells evolve a bit faster as compared to a larger cell and have increased likelihood of being transported from one planet to another via panspermia hypothesis.

With the NASA’s Viking program in 1970, two mars rovers were sent , each equipped with a robotic arm and to collect samples and bring back to earth, was the first step towards Astrobiology and searching for life on other planets excluding earth. The current mission that is under process is the Mars rover by Mars Science Laboratory by NASA.

In coming years various missions like ExoMars, Mars 202 Rover, Red Dragon, Ice Breaker Life are going to be executed to get some more insights and information about the planet and the living conditions in it.