{"692333":{"#nid":"692333","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Many Space Missions Are Searching for Life Beyond Earth \u2013 But Are We Prepared for the Fallout if They\u00a0Succeed?","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv class=\u0022theconversation-article-body\u0022\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMicrobes from space have fueled the plots of science fiction mainstays like \u201c\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/project-hail-mary-explores-unique-forms-of-life-in-space-5-essential-reads-on-searching-for-aliens-that-look-nothing-like-life-on-earth-278757\u0022\u003EProject Hail Mary\u003C\/a\u003E\u201d and \u201c\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/michaelcrichton.com\/works\/the-andromeda-strain\/\u0022\u003EThe Andromeda Strain\u003C\/a\u003E.\u201d But with more space missions launching each year, finding \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.17226\/25252\u0022\u003Eextraterrestrial life in a microbial form\u003C\/a\u003E is becoming more plausible. What will the response be back here on Earth if \u2013 or when \u2013 scientists discover extraterrestrial microbes? Will the international policy and security communities be prepared for the fallout?\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhen you hear about extraterrestrial life, your mind may go to intelligent life, like the kind present in a lot of Hollywood science fiction. But even the confirmation of microbial life that originated somewhere other than on Earth \u2013 which is much more likely \u2013 would be a paradigm-shifting event. Thinking about what these consequences might look like early on can help nations and the international community prepare.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOur team is interested in this question. We\u2019re made up of a full professor of international affairs, who earned a Ph.D. in chemistry, and whose expertise is on \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/inta.gatech.edu\/people\/person\/margaret-e-kosal\u0022\u003Ehow emerging science and technologies\u003C\/a\u003E could affect global conflict and cooperation, as well as an emerging scholar in \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/dayana-alagirova\/\u0022\u003Espace policy and security\u003C\/a\u003E and an expert on \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/rsis.edu.sg\/profile\/karryl-kim-sagun-trajano\/\u0022\u003Esocial and political implications\u003C\/a\u003E of frontier technologies, such as AI, space, quantum and energy sources.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMultiple Mars landers have identified \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1089\/ast.2021.0104\u0022\u003Elarge amounts of frozen and liquid water\u003C\/a\u003E, essential for life, on the red planet. Samples retrieved by \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.isas.jaxa.jp\/en\/missions\/spacecraft\/current\/hayabusa2.html\u0022\u003EJapan\u2019s Hayabusa2 spacecraft\u003C\/a\u003E from a near-Earth asteroid \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1038\/s41467-023-36904-3\u0022\u003Erevealed the presence of uracil\u003C\/a\u003E, part of RNA, which is a building block of life. Uncrewed space probes like NASA\u2019s \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/mission\/europa-clipper\/\u0022\u003EEuropa Clipper\u003C\/a\u003E and the European Space Agency\u2019s \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.esa.int\/Science_Exploration\/Space_Science\/Juice\u0022\u003EJupiter Icy Moons Explorer\u003C\/a\u003E are on their way to conduct detailed reconnaissance of the planet\u2019s moons and to investigate whether they have conditions suitable for life.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigure\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ciframe width=\u0022440\u0022 height=\u0022260\u0022 src=\u0022https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/3HN_zx4JJfM?wmode=transparent\u0026amp;start=0\u0022 frameborder=\u00220\u0022 allowfullscreen=\u0022\u0022\u003E\u003C\/iframe\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigcaption\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022caption\u0022\u003EScientists are searching for life in space using what they know about life on Earth. But what will happen if or when they find something?\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/figcaption\u003E\u003C\/figure\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAlong with \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/to-search-for-alien-life-astronomers-will-look-for-clues-in-the-atmospheres-of-distant-planets-and-the-james-webb-space-telescope-just-proved-its-possible-to-do-so-184828\u0022\u003Edata from the James Webb Space Telescope\u003C\/a\u003E and future missions targeting \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.esa.int\/About_Us\/ESAC\/Saturn_s_moon_Enceladus_top_target_for_ESA\u0022\u003ESaturn\u2019s icy moon Enceladus\u003C\/a\u003E, the likelihood of discovering extraterrestrial microbial life has increased substantially.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EA Governance Challenge\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe discovery of microbial life would expose significant gaps in international governance related to space.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhile there are some existing international agreements, including the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.unoosa.org\/oosa\/en\/ourwork\/spacelaw\/treaties\/introouterspacetreaty.html\u0022\u003EOuter Space Treaty\u003C\/a\u003E, that provide space law guidelines, these are ill-equipped to address the complexities posed by extraterrestrial biology.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.4324\/9781315610139\u0022\u003EOuter Space Treaty\u003C\/a\u003E, established in 1967, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/space-law-hasnt-been-changed-since-1967-but-the-un-aims-to-update-laws-and-keep-space-peaceful-171351\u0022\u003Edictates that\u003C\/a\u003E countries should use outer space peacefully. It also states that \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/property-and-sovereignty-in-space-as-countries-and-companies-take-to-the-stars-they-could-run-into-disputes-245334\u0022\u003Eno single nation may claim ownership\u003C\/a\u003E or exert sovereignty over parts of outer space or celestial bodies such as the Moon.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigure class=\u0022align-center zoomable\u0022\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/665536\/original\/file-20250503-68-xczuol.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.1\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=1000\u0026amp;fit=clip\u0022 aria-label=\u0022Zoomable image\u0022\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\u0022A semicircle-shaped room full of people sitting at tables.\u0022 src=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/665536\/original\/file-20250503-68-xczuol.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.1\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;fit=clip\u0022 srcset=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/665536\/original\/file-20250503-68-xczuol.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.1\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=402\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=1 600w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/665536\/original\/file-20250503-68-xczuol.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.1\u0026amp;q=30\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=402\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=2 1200w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/665536\/original\/file-20250503-68-xczuol.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.1\u0026amp;q=15\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=402\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=3 1800w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/665536\/original\/file-20250503-68-xczuol.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.1\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=505\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=1 754w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/665536\/original\/file-20250503-68-xczuol.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.1\u0026amp;q=30\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=505\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=2 1508w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/665536\/original\/file-20250503-68-xczuol.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.1\u0026amp;q=15\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=505\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=3 2262w\u0022 sizes=\u0022(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px\u0022\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigcaption\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022caption\u0022\u003EThe U.N. Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space is one of the few existing pathways for the governance of space.\u003C\/span\u003E \u003Ca class=\u0022source\u0022 href=\u0022https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/usunvie\/9268887230\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022attribution\u0022\u003EUnited States Mission to International Organizations in Vienna\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022attribution\u0022\u003E, \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Ca class=\u0022license\u0022 href=\u0022http:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-nd\/4.0\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022attribution\u0022\u003ECC BY-NC-ND\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/figcaption\u003E\u003C\/figure\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHowever, it doesn\u2019t have much to say about who can own extraterrestrial organisms or what to do about biosecurity risks. It doesn\u2019t have direction for who can use, preserve or destroy living things, such as bacteria or fungi, that may be discovered in space.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EHistorical Analogies and Future Pathways\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhile people have yet to discover extraterrestrial life of any kind, there are some major geopolitical events that can help researchers understand what the consequences might look like.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhile the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.actaastro.2018.04.053\u0022\u003Espace race of the 1950s and \u201960s\u003C\/a\u003E led to exploration of the Moon, it was driven by a Cold War power struggle between two nations back on Earth. Instead of coming together to explore space, both countries experienced a \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.29173\/cons29377\u0022\u003Erenewed sense of nationalism\u003C\/a\u003E. They used the new discoveries that came from the space race to invest in their military capabilities.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOn the other hand, researchers can look at how states respond to \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.spacepol.2025.101726\u0022\u003Easteroid threats\u003C\/a\u003E. Since an asteroid could pose a \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1080\/00396330802456502\u0022\u003Etruly existential threat\u003C\/a\u003E from space, preventing the worst-case scenario requires cooperation and thinking ahead.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAstronomers have built a \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/iawn.net\/\u0022\u003Eglobal, collaborative network\u003C\/a\u003E to monitor for and sound the alarm about any potential threats. This network has shown that nations can put aside terrestrial rivalries to work together if they perceive something from space as a truly existential threat.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/international-space-station\/\u0022\u003EInternational Space Station\u003C\/a\u003E is another example showing how nations that are \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.spacepol.2018.07.003\u0022\u003Ecompeting great powers on Earth\u003C\/a\u003E work together to cooperate in space. Countries have collaborated to solve issues on the International Space Station that have specific, short-term and clearly identified goals.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigure class=\u0022align-center zoomable\u0022\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/755821\/original\/file-20260824-50-bc6f18.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.1\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=1000\u0026amp;fit=clip\u0022 aria-label=\u0022Zoomable image\u0022\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\u0022The International Space Station, which is a metal structure with solar panels coming off it, floating above Earth\u0022 src=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/755821\/original\/file-20260824-50-bc6f18.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.1\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;fit=clip\u0022 srcset=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/755821\/original\/file-20260824-50-bc6f18.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.1\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=333\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=1 600w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/755821\/original\/file-20260824-50-bc6f18.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.1\u0026amp;q=30\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=333\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=2 1200w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/755821\/original\/file-20260824-50-bc6f18.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.1\u0026amp;q=15\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=333\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=3 1800w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/755821\/original\/file-20260824-50-bc6f18.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.1\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=419\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=1 754w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/755821\/original\/file-20260824-50-bc6f18.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.1\u0026amp;q=30\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=419\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=2 1508w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/755821\/original\/file-20260824-50-bc6f18.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.1\u0026amp;q=15\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=419\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=3 2262w\u0022 sizes=\u0022(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px\u0022\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigcaption\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022caption\u0022\u003EThe ISS is an example of countries cooperating in space research.\u003C\/span\u003E \u003Ca class=\u0022source\u0022 href=\u0022https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/international-space-station\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022attribution\u0022\u003ENASA\/Roscosmos\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/figcaption\u003E\u003C\/figure\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThese examples show a range of possible reactions to the discovery of space microbes. The situation could renew space races between competing countries and lead to militarization, or it could create unprecedented cooperation.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EPotential Outcomes\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWe\u2019ve identified three main possible outcomes to the discovery of microbial extraterrestrial life.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFirst, there\u2019s a cooperative outcome, reminiscent of the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.actaastro.2018.07.023\u0022\u003Easteroid threat network\u003C\/a\u003E or the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.spacepol.2004.06.007\u0022\u003EInternational Space Station\u003C\/a\u003E. Here, nations collaborate to regulate research, share data, protect the planet or advance specific interests they share.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThis pathway isn\u2019t inherently benign or malignant. It could entail expanding the roles of international organizations or \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/cba.org\/sections\/air-and-space-law\/resources\/from-sea-to-sky-can-the-law-of-the-sea-act-as-a-successful-model-for-a-future-asteroid-mining-legal\/\u0022\u003Ecreating new legal instruments\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESecond there\u2019s a competitive outcome, characterized by strategic rivalry between countries. Like in the space race, nations could \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.newamerica.org\/insights\/the-rise-of-techno-nationalism\/\u0022\u003Efight to be technologically superior\u003C\/a\u003E. \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/0959-3780(93)90006-7\u0022\u003EThey might try to monopolize access\u003C\/a\u003E to the extraterrestrial microbes or to leverage biological discoveries from the microbes for their own economic or military advantage.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EScientific breakthroughs derived from extraterrestrial organisms could lead to innovations in medicine, agriculture, energy and beyond. However, the organisms could also be weaponized, intentionally or otherwise, which would amplify \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1093\/biosci\/biab115\u0022\u003Ebiosecurity risks\u003C\/a\u003E. In this sense, the discovery of microbial life could create a new form of technological competition, one that merges space exploration with biological research and development.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1080\/00963402.2021.2014229\u0022\u003Eincreasing role of private companies\u003C\/a\u003E, such as SpaceX, complicates this dynamic. These companies receive contracts from the government, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/a-plan-b-for-space-on-the-risks-of-concentrating-national-space-power-in-private-hands-275618\u0022\u003Eblurring the lines\u003C\/a\u003E between commercial civilian and strategic activities.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor example, around \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.space.com\/spacex-starlink-satellites.html\u0022\u003E60% of all satellites\u003C\/a\u003E currently orbiting the Earth belong to SpaceX\u2019s Starlink subsidiary. The company can \u2013 and has \u2013 chosen to \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.politico.com\/news\/2026\/02\/25\/elon-musk-russian-army-starlink-00793742\u0022\u003Eblock access\u003C\/a\u003E selectively, in alignment with its political priorities. When commercial interests and national priorities diverge, who has access versus who is denied access can be uncertain.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigure class=\u0022align-center zoomable\u0022\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/756005\/original\/file-20260825-70-crgdih.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.1\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=1000\u0026amp;fit=clip\u0022 aria-label=\u0022Zoomable image\u0022\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\u0022A rocket moving upwards off a launchpad, with a streak of flame and a plume of smoke coming off it.\u0022 src=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/756005\/original\/file-20260825-70-crgdih.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.1\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;fit=clip\u0022 srcset=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/756005\/original\/file-20260825-70-crgdih.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.1\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=400\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=1 600w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/756005\/original\/file-20260825-70-crgdih.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.1\u0026amp;q=30\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=400\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=2 1200w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/756005\/original\/file-20260825-70-crgdih.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.1\u0026amp;q=15\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=400\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=3 1800w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/756005\/original\/file-20260825-70-crgdih.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.1\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=503\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=1 754w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/756005\/original\/file-20260825-70-crgdih.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.1\u0026amp;q=30\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=503\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=2 1508w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/756005\/original\/file-20260825-70-crgdih.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.1\u0026amp;q=15\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=503\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=3 2262w\u0022 sizes=\u0022(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px\u0022\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigcaption\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022caption\u0022\u003EA SpaceX rocket launches a load of Starlink satellites into orbit around Earth.\u003C\/span\u003E \u003Ca class=\u0022source\u0022 href=\u0022https:\/\/newsroom.ap.org\/home\/search?query=spacex%20starlink%20launch\u0026amp;mediaType=photo\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022attribution\u0022\u003EAP Photo\/John Raoux\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/figcaption\u003E\u003C\/figure\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.penguinrandomhouse.com\/books\/539065\/biopiracy-by-vandana-shiva\/\u0022\u003EResearch around biopiracy\u003C\/a\u003E may come into play. Biopiracy is a term that applies to two primary issues: the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/patents-based-on-traditional-knowledge-are-often-biopiracy-a-new-international-treaty-will-finally-combat-this-231272\u0022\u003Epatenting of indigenous knowledge\u003C\/a\u003E or the patenting of natural resources, such as microbes, for profit. \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.wipo.int\/en\/web\/treaties\/registration\/budapest\/index\u0022\u003EThe Budapest Treaty\u003C\/a\u003E prohibits claiming ownership of a naturally occurring microbe on Earth, but there\u2019s no equivalent for microbes in space.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThird is an isolationist outcome, in which states could sever their involvement in international cooperation due to \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/biodefensecommission.org\/is-the-u-s-ready-for-extraterrestrials-not-if-theyre-microbes-opinion-2\/\u0022\u003Ebiosecurity concerns\u003C\/a\u003E or political distrust. The potential for unknown biological risks, however minimal, could trigger \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1186\/s12879-024-09054-0\u0022\u003Eprecautionary restrictions on data sharing\u003C\/a\u003E, which limits international collaboration.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ECountries may lose or gain allies as they grapple with whether the microbe could cause harm to humans or the environment, or be developed into a biological weapon.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EEmerging technologies will also shape these outcomes. \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1177\/15311074261463025\u0022\u003EArtificial intelligence and machine learning\u003C\/a\u003E are already integral to scientific research. Scientists use them to \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1007\/s10686-021-09827-4\u0022\u003Eprocess astronomical data\u003C\/a\u003E and \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1073\/pnas.2307149120\u0022\u003Eidentify potential biosignatures\u003C\/a\u003E. \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1007\/978-981-97-6184-5_12\u0022\u003ENanotechnology\u003C\/a\u003E and \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.orbis.2020.08.008\u0022\u003Eadvances in the life sciences and engineering\u003C\/a\u003E could allow researchers to study, modify or exploit extraterrestrial microbes, if they\u2019re given access to them.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ECountries will have to prepare not only for the scientific implications of discovery but also for its societal and political reverberations. The politicization of scientific discoveries from the microbes could complicate or change how countries respond domestically and at the international scale. Misinformation about the microbes \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1080\/1369118X.2022.2085615\u0022\u003Ecould shape policy and public response\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EPreparing for the Unprecedented\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe discovery of extraterrestrial microbial life would not merely mark a scientific milestone. It would be a geopolitical event.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ERather than attempting to predict a singular outcome, policymakers could adopt \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.penguinrandomhouse.com\/books\/162919\/the-art-of-the-long-view-by-peter-schwartz\/\u0022\u003Escenario-based planning\u003C\/a\u003E approaches in the meantime to anticipate and prepare for a range of possibilities. In these approaches, participants explore multiple futures through structured activities similar to professional or military wargaming or \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/inta.gatech.edu\/courses\/syllabus\/202102\/34850\u0022\u003Epath games\u003C\/a\u003E, in which they explore multiple outcomes systematically to test strategies, to plan and to analyze potential outcomes under realistic uncertainty.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn our view, the question is not whether humanity will discover life beyond Earth, but whether it is prepared for the consequences when it does.\u003C!-- Below is The Conversation\u0027s page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --\u003E\u003Cimg style=\u0022border-color:!important;border-style:none;box-shadow:none !important;margin:0 !important;max-height:1px !important;max-width:1px !important;min-height:1px !important;min-width:1px !important;opacity:0 !important;outline:none !important;padding:0 !important;\u0022 src=\u0022https:\/\/counter.theconversation.com\/content\/288171\/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic\u0022 alt=\u0022The Conversation\u0022 width=\u00221\u0022 height=\u00221\u0022 referrerpolicy=\u0022no-referrer-when-downgrade\u0022\u003E\u003C!-- End of code. If you don\u0027t see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https:\/\/theconversation.com\/republishing-guidelines --\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EThis article is republished from \u003C\/em\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003EThe Conversation\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cem\u003E under a Creative Commons license. Read the \u003C\/em\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/many-space-missions-are-searching-for-life-beyond-earth-but-are-we-prepared-for-the-fallout-if-they-succeed-288171\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003Eoriginal article\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cem\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"full_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EWith more space missions launching each year, finding extraterrestrial life in a microbial form is becoming more plausible. What will the response be back here on Earth if \u2013 or when \u2013 scientists discover extraterrestrial microbes?\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"With more space missions launching each year, finding extraterrestrial life in a microbial form is becoming more plausible. What will the response be back here on Earth if \u2013 or when \u2013 scientists discover extraterrestrial microbes? "}],"uid":"27469","created_gmt":"2026-09-04 14:30:07","changed_gmt":"2026-09-04 14:39:27","author":"Kristen Bailey","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-09-01T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-09-01T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"681070":{"id":"681070","type":"image","title":"Several space missions are searching for extraterrestrial life, which could come in the form of microbes","body":"\u003Cp\u003ESeveral space missions are searching for extraterrestrial life, which could come in the form of microbes. \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.gettyimages.com\/detail\/photo\/microscopic-infection-background-royalty-free-image\/1156300038?phrase=microbes\u0022\u003EClaudioVentrella\/iStock via Getty Images Plus\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1788532261","gmt_created":"2026-09-04 14:31:01","changed":"1788532261","gmt_changed":"2026-09-04 14:31:01","alt":"Several space missions are searching for extraterrestrial life, which could come in the form of microbes","file":{"fid":"265422","name":"file-20260824-50-b2uqhs.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/09\/04\/file-20260824-50-b2uqhs.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/09\/04\/file-20260824-50-b2uqhs.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":221799,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/09\/04\/file-20260824-50-b2uqhs.jpg?itok=oEWxjU6o"}}},"media_ids":["681070"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/theconversation.com\/many-space-missions-are-searching-for-life-beyond-earth-but-are-we-prepared-for-the-fallout-if-they-succeed-288171","title":"Read This Article on The Conversation"}],"groups":[{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"}],"categories":[],"keywords":[{"id":"194974","name":"go-theconversation"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71881","name":"Science and Technology"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Ch5\u003EAuthors:\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/profiles\/margaret-e-kosal-2280532\u0022\u003EMargaret E. Kosal\u003C\/a\u003E, Professor of International Affairs, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/institutions\/georgia-institute-of-technology-1310\u0022\u003EGeorgia Institute of Technology\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/profiles\/dayana-alagirova-2730423\u0022\u003EDayana Alagirova\u003C\/a\u003E, Ph.D. Student in the Sam Nunn School of International Affairs, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/institutions\/georgia-institute-of-technology-1310\u0022\u003EGeorgia Institute of Technology\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/profiles\/karryl-kim-sagun-trajano-2730426\u0022\u003EKarryl Kim Sagun Trajano\u003C\/a\u003E, Research Fellow for Future Issues and Technology, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/institutions\/nanyang-technological-university-1982\u0022\u003ENanyang Technological University\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch5\u003EMedia Contact:\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Cp\u003EShelley Wunder-Smith\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:shelley.wunder-smith@research.gatech.edu\u0022\u003Eshelley.wunder-smith@research.gatech.edu\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}}}