Did Asteroids Seed Life on Earth?

Did Asteroids Seed Life on Earth?
A fragment of an ancient asteroid, retrieved by NASA from deep space, offers the most compelling evidence yet for panspermia—the theory that asteroids or comets may have delivered the building blocks of life to Earth.

The latest discoveries from NASA’s OSIRIS-REx mission confirm that the asteroid Bennu contains nearly all the key ingredients essential for life’s formation.

Inside the sample, scientists discovered:
✅ 14 of the 20 amino acids that life on Earth uses to make proteins
✅ All five nucleobases found in DNA & RNA
✅ Evidence of salt water, a key medium for biochemical reactions

While this is not proof of extraterrestrial life, it strongly suggests that the conditions necessary for life are widespread across the solar system. "For me, the question is: Why DIDN'T life form on Bennu?" said NASA Associate Administrator Nicky Fox.

How we got here:
🚀 2016 – NASA launched the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft to Bennu
🛰️ 2020 – The spacecraft collected a pristine sample
🌍 2023 – The sample returned to Earth
📢 Jan 29, 2025 – NASA revealed its groundbreaking discoveries