University of Hawaii awarded $4m contract by NASA for the development of advanced infrared sensors

The University of Hawaii has been granted a $4 million contract by NASA to collaborate with Leonardo, Markury Scientific, and Hawaii Aerospace in the development of ultra-sensitive infrared sensors. The primary objective of this project is to facilitate the observation of distant planets and their atmospheres. The Institute for Astronomy (IfA) at the university will spearhead the technological advancements alongside Leonardo's Southampton offices, under the guidance of experimental astrophysicist Michael Bottom. This endeavor aligns with Leonardo's broader mission of creating electro-optical instruments for space applications, supporting various international missions ranging from Earth Observation to Science, Navigation, and Exploration.

While significant progress has been made in enhancing telescopes and astronomical instruments over the past four decades, infrared sensors have seen limited improvements in sensitivity, according to Leonardo. This limitation has posed challenges for astronomers. However, the Institute for Astronomy has demonstrated promising results with new detectors that are well-suited for the low-light conditions encountered in future space telescopes.

The ultimate goal of this NASA mission is to identify and classify approximately 25 Earth-like exoplanets, with a specific focus on determining whether these planets harbor atmospheres suitable for sustaining life. Infrared sensors are preferred by astronomers for imaging exoplanets due to the higher contrast they provide between a planet and its host star compared to other wavelengths.