Humans have always been curious about their origin, their destiny, and the possible existence of life elsewhere in the Universe. Space exploration has already enabled us to answer some of these questions and it can still teach us many things.

Where do we come from? Where are we going?

The Apollo and Luna missions gave credit to the theory of planetary accretion; the assessment of the density of craters and dating of rocks supported this theory which was not believed by the majority of scientists at that time.

In the same way, investigations of geological samples from different space bodies will increase insight into such questions as how the Solar System formed. Meteorites can be used to learn something about formation of the first solid bodies. Mars, with similar origins as Earth, will give important information about the future of our planet.

Has life developed elsewhere?

The Martians, are they only the result of our imagination? These questions always stimulate passionate debates. Space exploration will give partial answers. Indeed, if humans find water in the Martian soil and indications of life, the hypothesis of life on Mars will be even more extensively discussed. If we do not find traces of life on Mars, other questions can be raised: is long term climatic stability required for the existence of life? What events in the history of Mars affected its capacity to support life?

Consider space as a huge laboratory where gravity is only a parameter like temperature and pressure. Investigation of microgravity allows the opportunity to obtain measurements of fundamental biological, chemical and physical properties unattainable on Earth. This scientific data would enhance existing pharmaceutical design and material development. It also enables us to study the effects of the space environment on both living and non-living systems. This research would be invaluable for the design of space exploration systems and the improvement of life support methods for human health maintenance and performance during long duration stays in space.

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