The Search for Life on Mars: Mars Science Laboratory and Mars Sample Return

The space science and engineering community has made tremendous strides in scientific research and technology development since the Viking era, culminating in the launch of MSL, the first roving analytical laboratory and first astrobiology mission to Mars since Viking. Meanwhile, the U.S. and Europe are engaged in a joint Mars exploration program, the international collaborative campaign of Mars sample return missions begins in earnest in 2018, and many other nations are joining the search for evidence of extraterrestrial life. This talk will address astrobiology science goals of the MSL mission, recommendations from the national and international science community for further astrobiology research on Mars, technology needs for future life‑searching missions, and worldwide opportunities for students and others to engage in the search.