The atmospheric characterization of a significant number of terrestrial exoplanets is a major goal of 21st century astrophysics. However, none of the currently adopted missions worldwide has the technical capabilities to achieve this goal. Here we present the LIFE mission concept, which addresses this issue by investigating the scientific potential and technological challenges of an ambitious mission employing a formation-flying nulling interferometer in space working at mid-infrared wavelengths. LIFE, in synergy with other planned future missions, will for the first time in human history enable us to understanding global biosignatures and planetary habitability in the context of the diversity of planetary systems. Breakthroughs in our understanding of the exoplanet population and relevant technologies justify the need, but also the feasibility, for future atmosphere characterization and life detection missions to investigate one of the most fundamental questions of humankind: how frequent and diverse are global biospheres in the galaxy?
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