Quantum Technology Research

The Drake equation amounts to a summary of the factors
affecting the likelihood that we might detect radio-
communication from intelligent extraterrestrial life.
The last three parameters, f i, f c , and L , are not known and
are very difficult to estimate, with values ranging over many
orders of magnitude (see criticism ). Therefore, the
usefulness of the Drake equation is not in the solving, but
rather in the contemplation of all the various concepts
which scientists must incorporate when considering the
question of life elsewhere, and gives the question of
life elsewhere a basis for scientific analysis. The equation
has helped draw attention to some particular scientific
problems related to life in the universe, for example
abiogenesis, the development of multi-cellular life , and the
development of intelligence itself.