Through fantastic original artwork and a compelling storyline, this series of graphic history books chronicles the origin and evolution of astrobiology itself. Produced by the NASA Astrobiology Program, the series began in 2010 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Exobiology and Astrobiology at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

Issue 1: The Origin of a Science Credit: Aaron L. Gronstal/NASA Astrobiology Program Credit: Aaron L. Gronstal/NASA Astrobiology Program Download the full resolution pdf or the mobile-optimized pdf!

Issue 1 traces the roots of Astrobiology from early cave paintings, through speculations of ancient Greek philosophers on the existence of other worlds, to contributions from more modern scientists such as Huygens, Galileo, Oparin, Haldane, Miller, Urey, Franklin, Watson, Crick, and Sagan. It goes on to explain how shortly after NASA was created in 1958, the NASA Exobiology Program, a research program supporting the search for life beyond Earth, came along. It would eventually morph into the Astrobiology Program in the mid-90’s. Concept & Story: Mary Voytek, Linda Billings, Aaron L. Gronstal

Mary Voytek, Linda Billings, Aaron L. Gronstal Artwork: Aaron L. Gronstal

Aaron L. Gronstal Script: Aaron L. Gronstal

Aaron L. Gronstal Editor: Linda Billings

Linda Billings Layout: Jenny Mottar

Issue 2: Missions to Mars Credit: Aaron L. Gronstal/NASA Astrobiology Program Credit: Aaron L. Gronstal/NASA Astrobiology Program Download the full resolution pdf or the mobile-optimized pdf!

Issue 2 chronicles the ups and downs of our exploration of Mars. There were early successes, followed by NASA’s first foray into life-detection with Viking. After Viking, many countries struggled to get missions to Mars. But in the ’90s saw a return to form, with many successes. The story concludes with exciting missions to come in 2011 and beyond. Concept & Story: Mary Voytek, Linda Billings, Aaron L. Gronstal

Mary Voytek, Linda Billings, Aaron L. Gronstal Artwork: Aaron L. Gronstal

Aaron L. Gronstal Script: Aaron L. Gronstal and Leslie Mullen

Aaron L. Gronstal and Leslie Mullen Editor: Linda Billings

Linda Billings Layout: Jenny Mottar

Jenny Mottar Special thanks to Daniella Scalice and Michael Meyer

Issue 3: Missions to the Inner Solar System Credit: Aaron L. Gronstal/NASA Astrobiology Program Credit: Aaron L. Gronstal/NASA Astrobiology Program Download the full resolution pdf or the mobile-optimized pdf!

Issue 3 chronicles the multitude of missions that have explored the region of our solar system that rests inside the asteroid belt. Mars is not the only location in the Solar System that interests astrobiologists. From Mercury to Venus, from asteroids to comets, there are many objects near the Sun that can help astrobiologists understand life’s potential in the Universe. Concept & Story: Mary Voytek, Linda Billings, Aaron L. Gronstal

Mary Voytek, Linda Billings, Aaron L. Gronstal Artwork: Aaron L. Gronstal

Aaron L. Gronstal Script: Aaron L. Gronstal

Aaron L. Gronstal Editor: Linda Billings

Linda Billings Layout: Jenny Mottar

Jenny Mottar Special thanks to Leslie Mullen and Daniella Scalice

Issue 4: Missions to the Outer Solar System Credit: Aaron L. Gronstal/NASA Astrobiology Program Credit: Aaron L. Gronstal/NASA Astrobiology Program Download the full resolution pdf or the mobile-optimized pdf!

Issue 4 features the many missions that have traveled to locations in the outer Solar System. There are many mysteries for astrobiologists in the cold, dark expanse beyond the asteroid belt. Gas giants like Jupiter and Saturn are not habitable, but many of their moons raise important questions about life’s potential far, far away from the warmth of the Sun. Concept & Story: Mary Voytek, Linda Billings, Aaron L. Gronstal

Mary Voytek, Linda Billings, Aaron L. Gronstal Artwork: Aaron L. Gronstal

Aaron L. Gronstal Script: Aaron L. Gronstal

Aaron L. Gronstal Editor: Linda Billings

Linda Billings Layout: Jenny Mottar

Jenny Mottar Special thanks to Leslie Mullen and Daniella Scalice

Issue 5: Astrobiology and the Earth Download the full resolution pdf or the mobile-optimized pdf Issue 5 explains how astrobiologists explore analog environments on Earth in order to better understand environments that could support life on other worlds like Mars. Earth is the only planet we know that is inhabited by life, and studying our home is the key to understanding life’s potential in the Universe.

Concept & Story: Mary Voytek, Linda Billings, Aaron L. Gronstal

Mary Voytek, Linda Billings, Aaron L. Gronstal Artwork: Aaron L. Gronstal

Aaron L. Gronstal Script: Aaron L. Gronstal

Aaron L. Gronstal Editor: Linda Billings

Linda Billings Layout: Aaron L. Gronstal