Détail de l'actualité

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

07/07/2023

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.

University of Hawaii

Mots clés

Nouvelles croisées

1. PCBA Contract Manufacturing Service

PCBA Contract Manufacturing Service

2. SR626SW Battery: Everything You Need to Know

SR626SW Battery: Everything You Need to Know

3. Korean Semiconductor Production and Economy Soar i...

Korean Semiconductor Production and Economy Soar in November

4. Intel reclaimed the No. 1 spot in 2023

Intel reclaimed the No. 1 spot in 2023

5. RLD90QZW8: 120W 905nm infra-red laser diode

RLD90QZW8: 120W 905nm infra-red laser diode

6. Happy Women's Day!

Happy Women's Day!

7. Asus Tinker Board 3N

Asus Tinker Board 3N

8. Transformative shift in the display driver IC (DDIC)

Transformative shift in the display driver IC (DDIC)

9. Analog Switch ICs: Buying Guide

Analog Switch ICs: Buying Guide

10. Global Telecom Capex to Fall 7%

Global Telecom Capex to Fall 7%