The Habitable Worlds Observatory in Historical Context

2026/02/16 by Marc Postman, Karl Stapelfeldt · 1 voice
Physics and Astronomy · #astro-ph.IM

paper · pdf

Abstract

We summarize the past four decades of astrophysics and exoplanet direct imaging mission concept studies, technology developments, and scientific progress that have led to the initiation of the Habitable Worlds Observatory project by NASA.

Discussions

• Karl Stapelfeldt (JPL/Caltech) and I summarize the historical context that has led us to the Habitable Worlds Observatory. We always build upon the work of many. HWO is no exception. We hope you find [bsky, 13 points, 0 comments]

Related

• The Habitable Worlds Observatory Technology Development Plan
• The Habitable Exoplanet Observatory (HabEx) Mission Concept Study Interim Report
• Using Ground-Based Telescopes to Mature Key Technologies and Advance Science for Future NASA Exoplanet Direct Imaging Missions
• Worldwide Development of Astronomy: The Story of a Decade of UN/ESA Workshops on Basic Space Science
• Transformational astrophysics and exoplanet science with Habitable Worlds Observatory's High Resolution Imager