Research progress of outer space experimental study on the origin of life

Astrobiology aims to study the origin, evolution, and distribution of life in the universe, while the space environment provides a unique experimental platform for investigating the origin of life. This paper systematically reviews recent experiments related to the origin of life and astrobiology conducted on the International Space Station, the Chinese Space Station, and various satellite and probe platforms. It focuses on analyzing the formation and stability of prebiotic chemical substances, the adaptation mechanisms of life in extreme space environments, and the detection of prebiotic materials in extraterrestrial samples. Studies have shown that key components of DNA/RNA can be synthesized under the unique conditions of space, while various microorganisms, plant spores, and model organisms exhibit remarkable tolerance to the space environment. Essential organic molecules for life have been discovered in asteroid samples. These findings provide critical evidence for understanding the origin of life, the possibility of extraterrestrial life, and the distribution of life in the universe. This paper further discusses the technical challenges, future directions, and the trend of interdisciplinary integration in the study of the origin of life in space, offering valuable insights for fostering innovation in the field of astrobiology.