# LUVOIR-A > concept study of a space observatory that would be located at the Sun-Earth L2 Lagrangian point **Wikidata**: [Q21409566](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q21409566) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High-Definition_Space_Telescope) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/luvoir-a ## Summary LUVOIR‑A (also called the High‑Definition Space Telescope or HDST) is a proposed 15‑metre space observatory that would operate from the Sun‑Earth L2 Lagrange point. It is a concept study for the Large Ultraviolet Optical Infrared Surveyor (LUVOIR) and is slated for a possible launch in 2039. ## Key Facts - **Name & aliases:** LUVOIR‑A, High‑Definition Space Telescope (HDST). - **Mission class:** Proposed space telescope; part of the Large Ultraviolet Optical Infrared Surveyor (LUVOIR) study. - **Primary mirror diameter:** 15 metres. - **Planned orbit:** Sun‑Earth L2 Lagrange point. - **Expected launch year:** 2039 (tentative). - **Status:** Concept study / proposed entity (not yet built). - **Image reference:** ![LUVOIR‑A rendering](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/LUVOIR-A_transparent.png) - **Wikidata description:** “concept study of a space observatory that would be located at the Sun‑Earth L2 Lagrangian point.” - **Wikipedia title:** *High‑Definition Space Telescope*. ## FAQs ### Q: What is LUVOIR‑A? A: LUVOIR‑A is a design concept for a next‑generation space telescope with a 15‑metre primary mirror, intended to observe from the Sun‑Earth L2 point and to launch around 2039. ### Q: How large is LUVOIR‑A’s primary mirror? A: The primary mirror is planned to be 15 metres in diameter, making it one of the largest mirrors ever proposed for a space telescope. ### Q: When is LUVOIR‑A expected to launch? A: The concept study lists an expected launch year of 2039, though the mission remains in the proposal stage. ### Q: What scientific wavelength range will LUVOIR‑A cover? A: As part of the Large Ultraviolet Optical Infrared Surveyor, LUVOIR‑A is intended to operate across ultraviolet, optical, and infrared wavelengths. ### Q: Where will LUVOIR‑A operate? A: The observatory is planned to reside at the Sun‑Earth L2 Lagrange point, a stable gravitational location ideal for deep‑space observations. ## Why It Matters LUVOIR‑A represents a transformative step in astronomical instrumentation. Its 15‑metre aperture would dramatically increase light‑gathering power compared with existing space telescopes, enabling unprecedented resolution and sensitivity across ultraviolet, optical, and infrared bands. Positioned at the Sun‑Earth L2 point, the telescope would benefit from a thermally stable environment and continuous, unobstructed views of the cosmos. This capability could unlock new discoveries about exoplanet atmospheres, the formation of galaxies, and the nature of dark matter and dark energy. By pushing the boundaries of observational astronomy, LUVOIR‑A would provide the scientific community with a versatile platform for decades of groundbreaking research, influencing both fundamental science and future mission designs. ## Notable For - **Largest proposed space‑based primary mirror** (15 m) in a single‑aperture design. - **Broad wavelength coverage** (ultraviolet to infrared) under a single mission architecture. - **Strategic placement at Sun‑Earth L2**, offering a stable thermal environment and continuous sky access. - **Part of the LUVOIR program**, positioning it as a flagship concept for NASA’s future astrophysics roadmap. - **Potential launch in 2039**, marking it as a near‑term candidate for the next generation of flagship observatories. ## Body ### Overview LUVOIR‑A is a concept study for a flagship space observatory. It falls under the broader LUVOIR (Large Ultraviolet Optical Infrared Surveyor) initiative, which envisions multiple telescope configurations. The “A” variant emphasizes a larger aperture (15 m) compared with alternative designs. ### Technical Specifications - **Primary Mirror:** 15 metres in diameter, segmented to fit within launch vehicle constraints. - **Wavelength Range:** Designed to operate from the far‑ultraviolet through the visible spectrum to the near‑infrared. - **Orbit:** Sun‑Earth L2 Lagrange point, providing a thermally stable environment and minimal Earth occultation. - **Launch Vehicle:** Not yet specified; the launch date is projected for 2039 pending development and funding decisions. ### Scientific Goals - **Exoplanet Characterization:** Direct imaging and spectroscopy of Earth‑like planets in habitable zones. - **Cosmic Origins:** High‑resolution imaging of early galaxies, star formation regions, and intergalactic medium. - **Solar System Studies:** Detailed observations of planetary atmospheres, moons, and small bodies. ### Development Status - **Current Phase:** Concept study; classified as a “proposed entity” in space‑telescope taxonomy. - **Stakeholders:** Primarily NASA’s Astrophysics Division, with contributions from the broader scientific community. - **Documentation:** Listed on Wikidata with the description “concept study of a space observatory that would be located at the Sun‑Earth L2 Lagrangian point.” ### Relationship to Other Missions - **LUVOIR Program:** LUVOIR‑A is one of two primary design paths (A and B) explored under the LUVOIR umbrella. - **Comparison:** Its 15 m aperture exceeds that of the James Webb Space Telescope (6.5 m) and rivals the proposed Habitable Worlds Observatory concepts. ### Future Outlook If funded and built, LUVOIR‑A could become the next flagship observatory after JWST and the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, shaping astrophysics research for the mid‑21st century. Ongoing studies will refine its engineering design, cost estimates, and scientific payloads ahead of any formal mission approval.