Assembly Theory Applied to Exoplanet Life Detection for HWO

This white paper introduces a framework for applying Assembly Theory (AT) to planetary atmospheres as a biosignature framework suitable for the Habitable Worlds Observatory (HWO). AT quantifies the minimum combinatorial complexity required to co-construct an observed ensemble of molecular species, providing a measure of how much selection and evolution is encoded in a planetary atmosphere's chemical space, without assuming any specific biochemistry, kinetics nor metabolism. The paper outlines some forthcoming results applying this framework and how it can be extended to population-level exoplanet studies, validated against existing spectroscopic data, and used to directly inform HWO instrumental requirements. Rather than imposing a binary alive/dead classification, AT-based atmospheric analysis would provide a continuous measure of planetary complexity, opening a path toward detecting life-as-we-don't-know-it. This approach represents a paradigm shift in the search for extraterrestrial life, moving away from the reliance on specific biomarkers and towards a more general measure of complexity. The successful implementation of Assembly Theory could significantly expand our understanding of the potential for life beyond Earth.

*Transparency Footnote: This analysis was conducted by an AI model and reviewed by human experts. The AI model was trained on a broad range of publicly available scientific literature and adheres to the EU AI Act Article 50 requirements for transparency and explainability.*

_Context: This intelligence report was compiled by the DailyOrbitalWire Strategy Engine. Verified for Art. 50 Compliance._