More About SOLIS
- The Interstellar Panspermia Society -

Objectives

To propagate our family of organic Life throughout the Milky Way Galaxy and beyond. We  propose to seed young planetary systems in star-forming interstellar clouds. We shall design and launch directed panspermia missions carrying the microbial representatives of Life by the year 2050.

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Membership

Membership is free and open to all.
We are especially encouraging people ready for a long-term commitment and for serious, if intermittent and unpaid, effort which will, far beyond their lifetime,
profoundly affect the future of Life in the universe. 

How To Join

Society Activities

The Society has started in 1995 as an Internet discussion group. The intellectual background is the advance of astrobiology; the realization, since the 1970s, that the nearby universe can be seeded with Life using available technologies; and that it is the primary human imperative to do so
(see bibliography below and the technical and ethical sections of this Web site).
We aim to construct a scientific, ethical and organizational base leading up to the implementation of directed panspermia. The Society will encourage relevant research and publications, advise authors, organize panspermia sessions at space conferences, encourage public discussion and promote public support for direced panspermia.
Specific target activities and timelines are summarized below.

Managing the Society

The Society will be managed democratically. A Board of Directors will consist of an elected President and elected Chairpersons of the topical planning groups. No membership fees are proposed intially. Further significant developments will be subject to membership-wide referenda.

Provisional Officers

Society Coordinator: Michael N. Mautner, Ph. D., Research Professor, Department of Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth  University, Richmond, Virginia 2384-2006; Department of Chemistry, University of California, Santa Cruz, California 95064; Soil, Plant and Ecological Sciences Division, Lincoln University, Lincoln, New Zealand* 
Fax (64) (3) 364-2110; (*address for S-mail)
m.mautner@eco88.com

Interstellar Propulsion Chairperson: Gregory L. Matloff, Ph. D., Adjunct Professor, Department of General Studies, New York University, N. Y., 10003; The New School, City University of New York; State University of New York; Pace University.
gm2@is3.nyu.edu

Microbiology Chairperson: Julian Hiscox, Ph. D. Research Scientist, Division of Molecular Biology, IAH Compton Laboratory, Berkshire, RG20 7NN, United Kingdom; Editor, Marsbugs, the- electronic astrobiology newsletter.
Julian_Hiscox@bbsrc.ac.uk

Topical Groups

Propulsion, Navigation and Astrometry Group
Evaluate established and new concepts for interstellar propulsion and navigation methods pertinent to panspermia missions. Survey advances in astrometry relevant to targeting.  Astrometry and Target Selection: Identify suitable targets, in particular, nearby new planetary systems and star-forming regions in interstellar clouds. Evaluate the potential of new planetary systems to sustain life. Planetary Science: Survey advances in the modelling of early planetary conditions and in accretion theory that are relevant to the capture of panspermia payloads. Design strategies for optimized payload capture.

Microbiology Group
Develop optimized microbial payloads for survival during interstellar transit and planetary capture, for adaptation to diverse environments, and for initiating higher evolution. Evaluate genetic engineering applications.  

Ethics Group
Ethical aspects of promoting life in the universe.

Public Relations Group
Educate the public about the ethical value and technical propspects of seeding the Galaxy; develop membership; co-operate with other space organizations.

Landmark Objectives and Timeline

The following is proposed as a realizable schedule. The objectives are expected to evolve with time.

1995    The Society was formed to catalyze research and planning
           for directed panspermia.
2005    Edited book or journal volume summarizing
           directed panspermia ideas.
           Interstellar Panbiota Trust is established.
2010    Planning groups recommend selected
           technologies for panspermia missions.
           Public education and fund-raising starts.
           Analysis and planning continues.
2015    Funded research commences.
2020    Engineering level plans are drafted.
2025    Engineering plans and microbial payload are
           finalized.
2030    Construction of experimental models.
2035    Experimental models are tested.
2040    Construction of mission hardware and
           biological payload starts.
2045    Mission hardware and biological payloads are
           tested in realistic simulated environments.
2050    First missions launched.

Society E-mail

solis@eco88.com