A Comprehensive Framework for Detecting Extraterrestrial Life: Integrating Molecular Detection with Imaging Across Two Mission Stages
To the point
Detecting extraterrestrial life requires an integrated, staged approach that links chemical signals to cellular structures through imaging, because no single technique can prove life, different life types (Earth life, Earth-kin life, and Earth-independent life) may require different methods, with careful false-positive analysis and even negative results guiding mission design.