Earth's atmosphere as seen from space

The High Altitude Astrobiology Challenge will be featured at the 2014 meeting of the 100 Year Starship Symposium, which takes place in Houston on 18-21 September 2014.

“Searching for Extraterrestrial Life at the Edge of Space” is one of two featured papers that will be presented during the Life Sciences in Space Exploration Track chaired by NASA astronaut Dr. Yvonne Cagle. The paper will be presented by Edward Wright, founder of the United States Rocket Academy and project manager for Citizens in Space.

The High Altitude Astrobiology Challenge seeks to develop a reliable means of collecting microorganisms from the extreme upper atmosphere (altitudes of 100,000 feet and above). Such organisms have been collected by high-altitude balloons, but balloons lack the reliability and controllability of reusable suborbital spacecraft now under development.

The other featured paper will be “When Biology Meets Exobiology,” by David Almandsmith and Dr. Carmen Nevarez of Khotso Consulting.

Symposium registration is now open.

Written by Astro1 on August 2nd, 2014 , Astrobiology, Citizens in Space

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COMMENTS
    Michael R. commented

    This challenge was announced publicly a few years ago, then delayed indefinitely; I was told that I and others would be kept informed on its progress (resumption), but had not heard a peep until now….Does anyone know what the story is on this “challenge”? Is it a public invitational? What are the specific challenge goals/criteria? What is the Deadline? What is the Prize?

    Thanks, MR

    Reply
    August 2, 2014 at 2:19 pm
      Astro1 commented

      We’re sorry for the delays. The High Altitude Astrobiology Challenge was selected for a Cooperative Agreement by NASA, which then became bogged down in bureaucracy. We have recently realized that we cannot afford further delays and need to proceed on our own. We hope to have further details in the very near future.

      Reply
      August 2, 2014 at 2:37 pm