"Prospects for Detecting Intriguing Biosignatures with the Next Generation LIFE Telescope"

The Large Interferometer for Exoplanets (LIFE) project aims to build a space telescope with four independent mirrors that could detect biogenic molecules in exoplanet atmospheres, potentially indicating the presence of life. Simulations suggest that LIFE could detect basic molecules like water and carbon dioxide in the atmospheres of nearby exoplanets within 10 – 100 days of observation time, and more complex biogenic molecules such as nitrous oxide and methylated halogens within a few days for nearby systems like Proxima Centauri. While still in the planning stage, LIFE is one of several life-seeking projects being considered by the European Space Agency, and the search for exoplanet life could be just a matter of time.