Complete Course in Astrobiology (eBook)

Gerda Horneck and Petra Rettberg are the leading astrobiologists of the German Aerospace Center (DLR) and have outstanding renommee on both sides of the Atlantic. Gerda Horneck and Petra Rettberg serve as heads of the photo- und exobiology group at the Institute of Aerospace Medicine of the DLR. Their research interests focus on exo-/astrobiology, radiation/photo biology, e.g. including the effects of radiation of various kind on biological systems. Dr. Horneck has been principal investigator of several radiobiological and exobiology experiments in space on Spacelab, LDEF, EURECA, FOTON and ISS as well as coordinator of research projects for both ESA and NASA. Petra Rettberg's research activities included research projects at NASA Ames and in Japan and investigations of past and future space missions. Numerous board memberships and publications round off their portfolio. Extensive teaching experience make them ideal editors for this book.

Chapter 1. General introduction into astrobiology: Astrobiology, from life on Earth to life in the Universe
Chapter 2. From Big Bang to the molecules of life
Chapter 3. Basic prebiotic chemistry
Chapter 4. From molecular evolution to cellular life
Chapter 5. Extremophiles, the physico-chemical limits of life (growth and survival)
Chapter 6. Habitability in our solar system and beyond
Chapter 7. Astrodynamics and technology aspects of astrobiology missions in our solar system
Chapter 8. Astrobiology of terrestrial planets with emphasis on Mars
Chapter 9. Astrobiology of Saturn's moon Titan
Chapter 10. Astrobiology of Europa
Chapter 11. Experiment facilities and instrumentation for space experiments in astrobiology
Chapter 12. Astrobiology missions
Chapter 13. Astrobiology exploratory missions and planetary protection requirements