Complete Course in Astrobiology

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 UniverseChapter 2. From Big Bang to the molecules of lifeChapter 3. Basic prebiotic chemistryChapter 4. From molecular evolution to cellular lifeChapter 5. Extremophiles, the physico-chemical limits of life (growth and survival)Chapter 6. Habitability in our solar system and beyondChapter 7. Astrodynamicsand technology aspects of astrobiology missions in our solar systemChapter 8. Astrobiology of terrestrial planets with emphasis on MarsChapter 9. Astrobiology of the moons of the giant planets with emphasis on Titan and EuropaChapter 10. Experiment facilities and instrumentation for space experiments in astrobiologyChapter 11. Astrobiology missionsChapter 12. Astrobiology exploratory missions and planetary protection requirements