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| Paper: |
HWO25: Servicing Space Observatories |
| Monograph: |
11, HWO25 Proceedings Part II: Mission Framework, Technology, and Broader Contributions |
| Page: |
27 |
| Authors: |
John Grunsfeld, Ewan Douglas, Kevin France, Andrew Allen, Joseph Anderson, Benjamin Reed, and Julie Van Campen |
| DOI: |
10.26624/QKFZ8521 |
| Abstract: |
The prospect of answering humanity's 2,500-year-old question—``Are we alone?''—has never been closer to realization. As we stand on the precipice of a new era in space-based astronomy, the Habitable Worlds Observatory (HWO) offers our best opportunity to finally provide an answer within our lifetimes. This revolutionary observatory promises to be the first system capable of definitively addressing this fundamental question, leveraging cutting-edge technology to search for signs of life beyond Earth.
Following in the footsteps of the Hubble Space Telescope, which has operated for over 35 years thanks to its serviceable design, HWO is being conceived as a long-lived, upgradeable platform that can evolve with advancing technology and changing scientific priorities. For many areas of astrophysics, scientific productivity is directly proportional to observatory lifetime, making serviceability not just advantageous but essential for maximizing scientific return. |
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