SenseLife

SenseLife in Short: A New Way to Detect Life in the Solar System

SenseLife is pioneering a new approach to searching for life beyond Earth. Our method is based on a fundamental characteristic of biological macromolecules: their universal asymmetry. Key biomolecules involved in metabolism, information storage, and light harvesting are built from homochiral building blocks - meaning they exist exclusively in either left- or right-handed forms. This molecular asymmetry subtly interacts with light, inducing a unique signature: a small but detectable amount of circular polarization.

To measure this signal, we use a polarimeter, an instrument capable of detecting circularly polarized light. When combined with a spectrometer, it allows us to analyze polarization across a broad range of wavelengths, revealing potential biosignatures.

At the heart of SenseLife is FlyPol, our custom-built spectropolarimeter. FlyPol is fast, highly sensitive, and mobile, designed for both laboratory and field use. Its compact and rugged design makes it ideal for deployment in airborne campaigns. So far, FlyPol has been successfully tested in flight aboard a helicopter and a hot-air balloon, with further missions planned for spring 2025. These airborne tests serve as critical proof-of-concept demonstrations for remote sensing, paving the way for future deployments on space missions across the Solar System.

By refining our technology and pushing the boundaries of biosignature detection, SenseLife is bringing us closer to answering one of humanity’s most profound questions: Are we alone?