Congress Holds Hearing on Aliens and Other Earths

Washington, D.C. – The Subcommittees on Space and Research today explored current efforts to search for life-sustaining planets.  Witnesses discussed the recent discovery by NASA’s Kepler space telescope of three super-Earth sized planets that have the potential to contain life.

PURPOSE:

The purpose of the hearing is to review the recent discovery of three super Earth sized planets by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) Kepler space telescope. The hearing will also assess the state of exoplanet surveying , characterization, and research; NASA’s Exoplanet Exploration Program; National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Division of Astronomical Science; as well as coordination within the government and with external partners. NASA and NSF both
contribute to the search for exoplanets. NASA provides space – based telescopes to identify potential planets, while NSF builds ground based telescopes. Both agencies fund research that assists in categorizing and characterizing candidate planets.

Chairman Lamar Smith (R-Texas): “The search for exoplanets and Earth-like planets is a relatively new but inspiring area of space exploration.  Scientists are discovering new kinds of solar systems in our own galaxy that we never knew existed.  In the universe, is there another place like home? Because of NASA’s Kepler mission, we know the likely answer is yes.  Imagine how the discovery of life outside our solar system would alter our priorities for space exploration and how we view our place in the universe.”

Witnesses outlined the state of exoplanet surveying and research at both NASA and the National Science Foundation (NSF), as well as coordination within the government and with external partners.  In the search of exoplanets, NASA provides space-based telescopes to identify potential planets, while NSF builds ground-based telescopes. Both agencies fund research that assists in categorizing and characterizing candidate planets.

Space Subcommittee Chairman Steven Palazzo (R-Miss.): “As we strive to do more with less, I hope we will get a better understanding of how exoplanet research should adapt to the fiscal realities we face today.  Is the current portfolio of missions and research still the ideal path under constrained budgets?  How can we build upon recent inspirational discoveries in the most efficient manner?  These are key questions we must answer as we work to draft a NASA Authorization Bill and a Reauthorization of COMPETES Act.”

The first confirmed exoplanet was discovered in 1992 by NSF-funded researchers. In 2010, the Keck Observatory announced  it had identified the first Earth-sized planet orbiting a star in a “habitable zone,” where the planet’s distance from its sun could permit the existence of liquid water. On April 18, 2013, NASA’s Kepler mission released details of its discovery of three super-Earth sized planets in the habitable zone. These discoveries heightened speculation about the possibilities of finding life on another planet than Earth.

Research Subcommittee Chairman Larry Bucshon (R-Ind.): “Since humanity first began looking to the heavens, we have been fascinated by the possibility that we may not be alone in the universe. As the number of confirmed and cataloged heavenly bodies has swelled in the past twenty one years, we have sought to learn more about the conditions on these planets: the temperatures, the atmospheres, their core composition, how they orbit their respective stars, and ultimately, whether any are capable of sustaining life.”

Space Subcommittee Vice Chairman Mo Brooks (R-Ala.): “NASA and the National Science Foundation have been instrumental in America’s exceptionalism in space exploration and discovery. NASA’s discovery of three super-Earth sized planets is extraordinary. I look forward to exciting developments to come.”

Witnesses
Dr. Laurance Doyle, Principal Investigator, Center for the Study of Life in the Universe, SETI Institute
Dr. John M. Grunsfeld, Associate Administrator, Science Mission Directorate, NASA
Dr. James Ulvestad, Director, Division of Astronomical Sciences, National Science Foundation