The field of planetary biology and chemical evolution draws together experts in astronomy, paleobiology, biochemistry, and space science who work together to understand the evolution of living systems.

This field has made exciting discoveries that shed light on how organic compounds came together to form self-replicating molecules--the origin of life.

This volume updates that progress and offers recommendations on research programs--including an ambitious effort centered on Mars--to advance the field over the next 10 to 15 years.

The book presents a wide range of data and research results on these and other issues:

• The biogenic elements and their interaction in the interstellar clouds and in solar nebulae.
• Early planetary environments and the conditions that lead to the origin of life.
• The evolution of cellular and multicellular life.
• The search for life outside the solar system.

Contents

• COMMITTEE ON PLANETARY BIOLOGY AND CHEMICAL EVOLUTION
• SPACE STUDIES BOARD
• COMMISSION ON PHYSICAL SCIENCES, MATHEMATICS, AND APPLICATIONS
• [The National Academies]
• Foreword
• Executive Summary
• 1. Overview
• 2. The Cosmic History of the Biogenic Elements and Compounds
  • Introduction
  • Systematic Studies of Interstellar Clouds
  • Complex Molecules
  • Star-Forming Regions and the Submillimeter Spectral Range
  • Grain Interrelationships
  • Infrared Spectroscopy and Astronomy
  • Grain Interactions
  • Asteroids
  • Meteorites
  • Comets and Interplanetary Dust Particles
• 3. Early Planetary Environments: Implications for Chemical Evolution and the Origin of Life
  • Introduction
  • The Outer Planets
  • The Terrestrial Planets
• 4. The Origin of Life
• 5. The Evolution of Cellular and Multicellular Life
  • Introduction
  • Priority Considerations
• 6. Search for Life outside the Solar System
  • Introduction
  • Approaches to the Detection of Life outside the Solar System
  • Scientific Objectives
  • Measurement Requirements
• 7. Major Research Recommendations
  • Recommendations Requiring Flight Opportunities
  • Recommendations Requiring Ground-Based Studies
• 8. Space Science Program and Policy Issues
  • Access to Missions
  • Measures to Enhance Research in Chemical Evolution and Planetary Biology
• References
• Glossary
• Appendix

Support for this project was provided by Contract NASW 4102 between the National Academy of Sciences and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

NOTICE: The project that is the subject of this report was approved by the Governing Board of the National Research Council, whose members are drawn from the councils of the National Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Engineering, and the Institute of Medicine. The members of the committee responsible for the report were chosen for their special competences and with regard for appropriate balance.

This report has been reviewed by a group other than the authors according to procedures approved by a Report Review Committee consisting of members of the National Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Engineering, and the Institute of Medicine.