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Astronomical observations have shown that carbonaceous matter is ubiquitous in our own as well as distant galaxies and a significant number of molecules that are used in contemporary biochemistry on Earth are found in interstellar and circumstellar regions as well as solar system environments. Understanding the evolution of organic molecules and their voyage from molecular clouds to the early solar system and Earth provides important constraints on the emergence of life on Earth and possibly elsewhere. The spectacular touch-down of the Philae lander on the comet 67/P allowed the first measurements of organic molecules on a cometary surface. These results contribute new insights into impact delivered material that may have provided significant raw material for the origin of life. In-depth understanding of the organic reservoir in different space environments as well as data on the stability of organic and prebiotic material in solar system environments are vital to assess the sources of prebiotic material available to the young planets and the search for life in our solar system. This lecture will review the evolution of organic matter in space including recent observations, space experiments and laboratory research and discuss the science and technology preparation necessary for robotic and human exploration efforts investigating habitability and biosignatures in our solar system.

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Pascale Ehrenfreund, DLR
HS III
Contact: Simon Trebst