"Searching for Alien Life offers a cutting-edge, comprehensive look at one of science's biggest challenges. Includes a look at the history of the topic, recent breakthroughs, key facts to consider, and questions that remain unanswered."-- Provided by publisher.

People have scanned the skies for centuries -- SETI starts the search for intelligent life -- Radio telescopes are always listening -- Spacecraft carry messages -- NASA leads the search for life -- Alien life may be basic -- Rovers look for Martians -- Exoplanets could be other Earths -- NASA hopes to return samples from Mars -- Manned mission to Mars: the next giant leap -- Bigger telescopes might spot life -- The chemical laptop is a space laboratory.