The answer is no. The BNSC, regarded by many international space agencies and bodies as not having its finger on the pulse of space exploration and the public's fascination in it, is backing what is essentially just a name change. In our investigations we found many British scientists who were Astrobiologists without knowing it. I firmly believe we have the potential to find another evolutionary experiment like the one on Earth. Many scientists believe that there is life out there, but as yet they have no proof.
Controversy rages over whether a rock from Mars bears evidence of fossilised micro-organisms.
It is fair to say that the overwhelming majority of scientists do not believe the case has been made, despite what they would like to believe in their hearts. The scientists want the publicity in the hope it will get them some money.