Earth as a Tool for Astrobiology—A European Perspective

作者：Zita Martins, Hervé Cottin, J. Michelle Kotler, Nathalie Carrasco, Charles S. Cockell, Rosa de la Torre Noetzel, René Demets, Jean‐Pierre de Vera, Louis Le Sergeant d’Hendecourt, P. Ehrenfreund, Andreas Elsaesser, Bernard Foing, Silvano Onofri, R. C. Quinn, Elke Rabbow, Petra Rettberg, Antonio J. Ricco, Klaus Slenzka, Fabien Stalport, I. L. ten Kate, Jack J. W. A. van Loon, Francès Westall · 发表于：Space Science Reviews · 年份：2017 · DOI：10.1007/s11214-017-0369-1 · 被引用次数：118 · 研究领域：Planetary Science and Exploration、Space Science and Extraterrestrial Life、Astro and Planetary Science

Scientists use the Earth as a tool for astrobiology by analyzing planetary field analogues (i.e. terrestrial samples and field sites that resemble planetary bodies in our Solar System). In addition, they expose the selected planetary field analogues in simulation chambers to conditions that mimic the ones of planets, moons and Low Earth Orbit (LEO) space conditions, as well as the chemistry occurring in interstellar and cometary ices. This paper reviews the ways the Earth is used by astrobiologists: (i) by conducting planetary field analogue studies to investigate extant life from extreme environments, its metabolisms, adaptation strategies and modern biosignatures; (ii) by conducting planetary field analogue studies to investigate extinct life from the oldest rocks on our planet and its biosignatures; (iii) by exposing terrestrial samples to simulated space or planetary environments and producing a sample analogue to investigate changes in minerals, biosignatures and microorganisms. The European Space Agency (ESA) created a topical team in 2011 to investigate recent activities using the Earth as a tool for astrobiology and to formulate recommendations and scientific needs to improve ground-based astrobiological research. Space is an important tool for astrobiology (see Horneck et al. in Astrobiology, 16:201–243, 2016 ; Cottin et al., 2017 ), but access to space is limited. Complementing research on Earth provides fast access, more replications and higher sample throughput. T...