UK astronomers contribute to key instrument for NASA's Habitable Worlds Observatory.

UK astronomers, including those from the University of Leicester, are leading the development of a core instrument for NASA's future Habitable Worlds Observatory (HWO). The UK has secured £3 million for this work on the HWO, which is slated for launch in the 2040s. This flagship space telescope aims to discover Earth-like exoplanets and seek signs of life beyond our Solar System, representing a significant step in astrobiological exploration.