The definitive capstone for Evolution & Life, this essay stages the cosmic search for life as both scientific quest and existential audit—exploring the meanings, responsibilities, risks, and protocols that shape planetary stewardship and cosmic kinship in a universe filled with possibility and uncertainty.

SE Press: Ingredients and conditions for life are abundant across the cosmos. This protocol-scored framework benchmarks biosignature plausibility for planets and moons, integrating LifeScore, ComplexityScore, and ExistentialRisk. All claims are evidence-based, challenge-ready, and upgradeable as science advances.