title: Astrobiology from exobiology: Viking and the current Mars probes.
abstract: The development of an Astrobiology Program is an extension of current exobiology programs. Astrobiology is the scientific study of the origin, distribution, evolution, and future of life in the universe. It encompasses exobiology; formation of elements, stars, planets, and organic molecules; initiation of replicating organisms; biological evolution; gravitational biology; and human exploration. Current interest in life on Mars provides the scientific community with an example of scientific inquiry that has mass appeal. Technology is mature enough to search for life in the universe.
authors.affiliation: HQ, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Washington, DC 20546-0001, USA.
authors.forename: G A
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Soffen
mesh_terms: D001256:Astronomy / Q000639:trends*; D001690:Biological Science Disciplines / Q000639:trends*; D018559:Exobiology; D005118:Extraterrestrial Environment; D018535:Mars; D019110:Meteoroids; D013026:Space Flight; D014481:United States; D018557:United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration