Life Detection Knowledge Base: Taxonomy of Potential Biosignatures.

Area of Science:

• Astrobiology
• Planetary Science
• Space Exploration

Background:

• The search for extraterrestrial life requires robust methods to interpret potential biosignatures.
• Evaluating life-detection strategies is complex due to the possibility of false positives and false negatives.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a novel taxonomy of potential biosignatures.
• To provide a systematic structure for evaluating life-detection strategies.
• To facilitate the integration of these strategies into robotic spaceflight missions.

Main Methods:

• Development of a community webtool, the Life Detection Knowledge Base (LDKB).
• Creation of a structured taxonomy for potential biosignatures.
• Establishment of evaluation criteria to assess false-positive and false-negative likelihoods.

Main Results:

• A comprehensive taxonomy organizing diverse life-detection strategies.
• A framework for equitable evaluation of biosignature detection methods.
• Streamlined organization of strategies for space mission application.

Conclusions:

• The LDKB biosignature taxonomy offers a systematic approach to evaluating life-detection strategies.
• This taxonomy aids in minimizing interpretation errors (false positives/negatives) in astrobiology.
• The structured approach supports the advancement of robotic missions searching for life beyond Earth.