Science with the Habitable Worlds Observatory and Beyond

The Astro2020 “Pathways to Discovery” report envisions an ambitious, multi-decadal fleet of cooperating New Great Observatories, beginning with the Habitable Worlds Observatory (HWO). HabWorlds aims to search for planets like the Earth around Sun-like stars, and to revolutionize other areas of astrophysics with its deep imaging and highly multiplexed spectroscopy. NASA is now embarking on the scientific and technical maturation program that will build a new paradigm for flagship mission development.

Our conference will bring together scientists, technologists, and other stakeholders to discuss the most compelling science drivers for HWO, identity new science areas, and to work toward a feasible development path. We will also discuss how the recommended X-ray and far-IR flagships complement these science aims and how their concepts might be advanced in the coming decade while HWO is under active development. The conference will include invited talks, contributed talks, and posters on all areas of science and technology. We will round out the week with an evening reception in DC to celebrate the first year of JWST science and look ahead to the future (Thursday July 13), and a focused “tech day” for deep dives into technology development plans on Friday, July 14. We support both in-person and virtual participation.