Three‑front search logic

Scientists pursue life on three distinct fronts—in‑situ Solar System exploration, remote exoplanet biosignatures, and technosignature/SETI searches—each with different timescales, costs, and detection modalities. The complementarity means null results on one front don't justify abandoning the others; policy and funding should distribute risk accordingly. — Framing astrobiology as a triage of complementary search modes clarifies public funding priorities, helps justify sustained investment despite repeated null results, and guides debate over mission selection and SETI support.