Space Station Study Wants To Prove Early Lifeforms Survived Space Travel To Earth
To test the "panspermia" hypothesis of life's origination point, the Astrobiology Exposure and Micrometeoroid Capture Experiments (Tanpopo) was performed on the International Space Station in the Kibo Exposed Facility
Early lifeforms could have managed to survive space travel, a study awaiting results posits. Undertaken at the International Space Station, the new enquiry intends to support the theory that early life forms could have survived space travel.
In essence, this means that life on Earth could be a product of microorganisms or certain chemicals hitching interplanetary rides on particles of dust or meteorites that ended up on Earth.
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The Panspermia hypothesis
To test the "panspermia" hypothesis of life's origination point, the Astrobiology Exposure and Micrometeoroid Capture Experiments (Tanpopo) was performed on the International Space Station in the Kibo Exposed Facility.
For some perspective, amino acids are considered the basic molecules required to form proteins - the building blocks of life. To assess the role of amino acids, the astronauts exposed it to the space outside ISS to get a reaction.
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Also read: 'Edison Moment': Scientists Develop Quantum Sensor That Can See Inside Earth
The study's results are still pending, and the study was conducted using additional microbes and organic compounds that were exposed to harsh space. Complex amino acids have been spotted in molecular clouds, young stars, meteorites, and even cosmic dust - all supporting the panspermia theory. The theory's factual basis now rests on whether or not the ISS' assessments reap positive results.
Also read: Earth's An Intelligent Being That Holds Universe's Secrets, Suggests New Study
Scientists still don't know for sure whether organic compounds formed on Earth, or whether they were transported to Earth. What they do know is that they're responsible for the creation of life, with special focus on amino acids.
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What do you think about NASA's new line of enquiry? Let us know in the comments below. For more in the world of technology and science, keep reading Indiatimes.com.
References
Desk, I. T. W. (2022b, March 11). Early lifeforms could have survived space travel, reveals study on Space Station. India Today.
Guzman, A. (2022, March 10). Three ISS Studies Helping Scientists Understand the Early Universe. NASA.
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