Putting together a research expedition to an alien planet - what kind of scientists am I taking with me?

It's the 22nd century and we have discovered a derelict alien craft somewhere in the Oort cloud. The craft contains a star chart showing its origin on an alien planet some 30 light years away. Let's say that with out current tech we can get there in about a 100 years, during which time passengers would be in cryostasis. As this is considered a milestone in human history, world governments collaborate (let's go with it) and decide to put together an expedition to the alien planet.

The plan is to get to the planet's orbit, and study and observe for as long as needed with drones, satellites, rovers etc. and see if there is indeed any life on the surface and if conditions are amenable to life. Eventually, we will land on the planet to get a closer look.

So with that said - what kind of scientists will be taken on such a trip? Off the top of my head, I'd imagine that given the prohibitive costs of the venture, you'd try and limit the total number of people you actually bring, and as such, you'd want generalists with a wide knowledge pool instead of niche specialists. Some professions I can think of:

• Astrobiologists
• Geologists - maybe a couple with expertise in both terrestrial and marine geology
• Astrophysicists (and maybe someone with general physics knowledge)
• Biochemistry specialists
• Planetary climatologists
• Paleontologists
• Doctors/medical experts with virology expertise perhaps?
• A few engineers for general technological expertise and troubleshooting
• A team of security specialists, especially for when the surface mission is underway

Are the above sufficient? Too much, or too little? Anything else I may be missing?

posted almost 4 years ago

Faz‭

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