Finding extraterrestrial life is the most important goal of science, by far.
If it is like earth life, that tells us that only one kind of life is possible.
If it is different it tells us other kinds of life are possible.
If we don't find it it suggests (but does not prove) we are unique in the universe.
Either way, it will be the most important scientific discovery of all time.
We already know how to live and work and travel outside our gravity well, if fact, we've known that for fifty years now.