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NASA opens UV and visible technology study proposals for Habitable Worlds Observatory

US-led teams have until 20 November to propose one-month studies addressing five instrument technology gaps for NASA’s planned observatory.

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Published 21 Oct 2026, 18:47 BST2 min read

Artist’s concept of the Habitable Worlds Observatory in space. — Artist’s concept of NASA’s planned Habitable Worlds Observatory, released in 2024. Habitable Worlds Observatory Beauty Pass Animations and Stills (SVS14594 - S6) — NASA's Scientific Visualization Studio - KBR Wyle Services, LLC/Jonathan North, KBR Wyle Services, LLC/Walt Feimer, NASA/GSFC/Claire Andreoli (resized and converted to WebP). Public domain.Image source Image licence: Public domain

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NASA opened a Phase 1 proposal call on 21 October for studies of ultraviolet and visible instrument technologies for its Habitable Worlds Observatory. According to NASA Science, eligible US-led teams have until 20 November 2026 to submit plans addressing one of five technology areas identified by the observatory’s technology office.

NASA Science said Phase 1 is a one-month study intended to produce a detailed technology development plan. The office identified performance gaps in ultraviolet, near-ultraviolet, far-ultraviolet and visible instrument technologies through community input and a review of current capabilities. The call asks proposers to focus each plan on one candidate area, giving NASA a basis for possible later implementation work.

Five instrument technologies in the HWO call

The five areas are Multi-Object Selection, Low Scatter UV Gratings, FUV Imaging Filters, FUV/NUV Image Slicers and FUV/NUV Compatible Fiber Optics. The list spans components for ultraviolet and visible observations; NASA is asking for development plans at this stage, rather than announcing that any of the proposed technologies has been selected for the observatory.

NASA describes the Habitable Worlds Observatory as the highest-priority large space mission recommended to the agency by the Astro2020 astronomy and astrophysics decadal survey. The National Academies’ survey provides the broader scientific priority behind the mission. A NASA technical-plan record says the HWO Technology Maturation Project Office was formed in August 2024 to explore mission science, technology and architecture ahead of a Mission Concept Review expected at the end of the decade.

Who can apply and what happens after Phase 1

Proposers must be affiliated with a US entity. Foreign partners may take part if a US-based entity leads the proposal, while NASA Centers, including the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, cannot propose. Applicants must respond to Phase 1 to remain eligible for Phase 2 funding, but a Phase 1 response does not guarantee selection.

Responses are due by 11:59 p.m. Eastern time on 20 November 2026. NASA says it will communicate award decisions by 31 December 2026 and award funds immediately afterward. Phase 2 would put plans developed during Phase 1 into practice; its timing and funding depend on the technology office’s available budget.