The Habitable Worlds Observatory in Historical Context

TL;DR

This paper reviews four decades of progress in astrophysics and exoplanet imaging, highlighting developments that culminated in NASA's Habitable Worlds Observatory project.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive historical overview of technological and scientific advancements leading to the current mission concept.

Findings

Decades of progress in exoplanet imaging technology.

Key scientific milestones in understanding habitable worlds.

Initiation of NASA's Habitable Worlds Observatory project.

Abstract

We summarize the past four decades of astrophysics and exoplanet direct imaging mission concept studies, technology developments, and scientific progress that have led to the initiation of the Habitable Worlds Observatory project by NASA.