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351 depends on elements created in the interiors of stars. The impacts of aster- oids and comets have radically altered the course of biological evolution and may do so again. We are extending our point of view beyond our planet. We have reached out in a physical sense, using space technology to explore our solar system in more intimate detail. The surfaces of some other worlds now seem familiar to us. Many humans aspire to—and expect—a future in which Humankind expands outward, utilizing larger resources and living space, escaping the limitations and the ultimate fate of Earth.”! These revolutions are dramatically expanding our relevant universe. The realm of our concern is growing to include worlds far beyond our own. We are slowly, hesitantly adopting an extraterrestrial paradigm, a new cosmic context for Humankind. This is a Copernican-level revolution in the way we look at the human future. One could see it as making us feel smaller amid the vastness of our new relevant universe; or we could see ourselves playing on a larger stage. The outcome may say much about humanity’s opinion of itself. Is our example common, or rare? Are we the rule, or the exception? Until we detect other civilizations, we have no way of knowing how large their relevant universes are. Many may never pass beyond the planetary stage; others might adopt extraplanetary paradigms of their futures. Those who expand beyond their original biospheres may constitute a small percentage of all technological civilizations. They may be a very influential minority. The exploration of space through astronomical instruments and spacecraft, the search for extraterrestrial intelligence, and human expansion can be seen as elements of an unarticulated grand strategy for Humankind. Its basic goal is to improve the prospects for our species in its larger environment.” The first element of an extraterrestrial strategy is reconnaissance—the collection of information about our greater surroundings. Astronomy and solar system exploration are the means. Within that context, SETI is a reconnaissance of intelligently influenced matter and energy.” This perspective has a clear implication: We should expand the search with better instruments and more comprehensive strategies, including spacecraft with enhanced abilities to explore our own solar system. These systems would have benefits for science even in the absence of contact. In the longer term, interstellar probes could dramatically improve our ability to detect extraterrestrial intelligence. No longer would we be limited to those civilizations that are emitting electromagnetic signals that our instruments can spot from Earth; we might find intelligent beings that Reconnaissance Reconnaissance