| Abstract: |
The Habitable Exoplanet Observatory (HabEx) is one of four flagship mission concepts studied by NASA in preparation for the 2020 US Astrophysics Decadal Survey. HabEx is designed to be the next-generation space-based great observatory with ultraviolet, visible, and near-infrared imaging and spectroscopy capabilities, and ~50% of the primary 5-year mission dedicated to community involvement through a competed and funded Guest Observer (GO) program. HabEx will also seek out nearby worlds to explore their habitability and will map nearby planetary systems to understand their diversity. The HabEx concept is scientifically compelling, technologically and financially feasible for launch in the 2030’s, and also enables a balanced NASA mission portfolio in the next decade. This talk will introduce the HabEx mission concept and present some of the cutting-edge science that will be enabled by a large aperture, highly capable, ultra-stable space-borne telescope. |
