• The Bulletin of The Korean Astronomical Society
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• v.46 no.2
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• pp.61.2-61.2
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• 2021

We present the current focus issues on biosignature and life in the Solar System and exoplanters considering the possible research items at KASI in collaboration with other fields and institutes. We also suggest possible KASI research projects that can be conducted in the next decade.

• Publications of The Korean Astronomical Society
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• v.38 no.2
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• pp.37-57
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• 2023

"Are we alone in the universe?" is the fundamental question of mankind. To search for the life signatures in the universe, there have been a lot of researches and space explorations, especially in our solar system. In this review paper, we introduce the definition and characteristics of the "biosignature". The current situations and future plans for searching for biosignatures in our solar system are reviewed, especially at Venus, Mars, and Ocean Worlds such as Europa and Enceladus where life signatures are more likely to exist than in other places in the solar system. Finally, we discuss the opportunities and strategies for the Korean scientific society to participate in searching for biosignatures in the solar system.

• Publications of The Korean Astronomical Society
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• v.38 no.2
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• pp.25-36
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• 2023

Since interstellar objects like 1I/'Oumuamua and 2I/Borisov originate from exoplanetary systems, even if we do not visit the exoplanetary systems, flyby, rendezvous, and sample return missions of interstellar objects can provide clues to solve the mysteries of cosmic life phenomena such as the origin of exoplanetary systems, galactic evolution, biosignatures (or even technosignatures), and panspermia. In this paper, we review space missions for interstellar object exploration in the stage of mission design or concept study such as Project Lyra, Bridge, Comet Interceptors, and Lightcraft^TM. We also review space missions, OSIRIS-REx and NEA Scout, designed for Near Earth Asteroids(NEA) explorations, to investigate the current state of basic technologies that can be extended to explore interstellar objects in a velocity of ~ 6AU/year. One of the technologies that needs to be developed for interstellar object exploration is a spacecraft propulsion method such as solar sail, which can catch up with the fast speed of interstellar objects. If this kind of propulsion becomes practical for space explorations, interstellar object explorations will mark a new era and serve as a driving force to provide evidences of cosmic life.