Astrobiology is the study of of life in the Universe. Astrobiology examines the origin, evolution, distribution and future of of our existence.

Astrobiology embraces the search for potentially inhabited planets beyond our Solar System, the exploration of Mars and the outer planets, laboratory and field investigations of the origins and early evolution of life, and studies of the potential of life to adapt to future challenges, both on Earth and in space.

Astrobiology utilizes physics, chemistry, astronomy, biology, molecular biology, ecology, planetary science, geography and geology to investigate the possibility of life on other worlds and help recognize biospheres that might be quite different from the Earth's.

Astrobiology addresses three basic questions that have been asked in various ways for generations. How does life begin and evolve? Does life exist elsewhere in the universe? What is the future of life on Earth and beyond?