Instrumentation projects

At MPIA, we develop and build state-of-the-art astronomical instruments for large optical telescopes. Our focus is on near-infrared instrumentation. Here is a list of all projects with MPIA involvement - often as part of international consortia.

Space-based instrumentation

In developing and helping to build instrumentation for space telescopes, MPIA's focus is on near- and mid-infrared observations. This is an overview of all space-based instruments MPIA has been involved in - often as part of larger, international consortia.

CGI / Roman Space Telescope

Wide Field Infrared Survey Telescope (NASA); renamed to Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope. Contact scientist at MPIA: Oliver Krause more

Herschel Space Observatory

Herschel was an ESA space observatory for infrared observations. It was launched on 14 May 2009 and decommissioned on 29 April 2013.

PACS

Photodetector Array Camera and Spectrometer. Operational 2009-2013. more

James Webb Space Telescope

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is a NASA/ESA space observatory launched on December 25th, 2021 – the successor to the highly productive Hubble Space Telescope.

James Webb Space Telescope (JWST)

Several thousands of people are currently engaged in the flagship mission JWST, the premier space observatory for the next decade which is jointly being developed by the US, European and Canadian Space Agencies (NASA, ESA and CSA). JWST has four main scientific themes: more

MIRI

Mid-infrared Instrument for the James Webb Space Telescope (NASA, ESA and CSA) more

NIRSpec

Near-Infrared Spectrograph for the James Webb Space Telescope (NASA, ESA and CSA). Contact scientist at MPIA: Oliver Krause more

EUCLID

Euclid is a Dark Energy mission within the Cosmic Vision Programme of the European Space Agency (ESA). It will map 15.000 sq.deg of extragalactic sky with high angular resolution visual imaging, infrared spectroscopy and photometry. MPIA's Euclid group is playing a central role in the NISP Near Infrared Spectrophotometer, providing photometry filters and calibration source, as well as the NISP-P Instrument Scientist and NISP Calibration Lead.

EUCLID

Visible and NIR wide-field imager to map the geometry of the dark Universe (planned ESA M-class satellite mission). Contact Scientist at MPIA: Knud Jahnke more

NISP

Near Infrared Spectrophotometer. Under development. more

Infrared Space Observatory (ISO)

ISO was the first versatile infrared space observatory. The space telescope, with a cooled 60 cm telescope, was launched in November 1995 and was operational until 1998.

ISOPhot

Infrared Space Observatory Photometer. Decommissioned in 1998.