This volume on astrobiology of the Springer Briefs in Life Sciences book series addresses the three fundamental questions on origin, evolution, distribution and future of life in the universe: how does life begin and evolve? Is there life beyond Earth and, if so, how can we detect it? What is the future of life on Earth and in the universe? The book provides insights into astrobiological experiments that are being performed on the International Space Station, ISS, and discusses their findings.

This extremely exciting volume on astrobiology is intended for scientists of various research fields and for laypersons interested in space research and in the fundamental issues of the universe and life.

Dr. Jean-Pierre de Vera is lead scientist and investigator of the space experiments BIOMEX and BioSigN on the ISS, Research Group Leader of the Astrobiological Laboratories - Mars Simulation Facility Laboratory since 2009, Raman/Biosignature Laboratory since 2015 and Planetary Analog Simulation Lab since 2019 at the Institute of Planetary Research, DLR in Berlin.