The Large UV/Optical/IR Surveyor (LUVOIR) is a concept for a highly capable, multi-wavelength space observatory with ambitious science goals. This mission would enable great leaps forward in a broad range of science, from the epoch of reionization, through galaxy formation and evolution, star and planet formation, to solar system remote sensing. LUVOIR also has the major goal of characterizing a wide range of exoplanets, including those that might be habitable - or even inhabited.
LUVOIR is one of four Decadal Survey Mission Concept Studies initiated in Jan 2016. The study will extend over three years and will be executed by the Goddard Space Flight Center, under the leadership of a Science and Technology Definition Team (STDT) drawn from the community.
For reference (from the report):
LUVOIR-A current best estimate of mass - 27,800 kg
LUVOIR-A maximum expected mass - 37,400 kg
LUVOIR-A maximum permissible mass - 44,300 kg
LUVOIR-B current best estimate of mass - 15,100 kg
LUVOIR-B maximum expected mass - 21,000 kg
LUVOIR-B maximum permissible mass - 37,000 kg
LUVOIR requires a C3 between -0.55 and -0.75
Cost estimates, assuming $670M of Pre-Phase A Development is completed as suggested from 2020-2025:
LUVOIR-A: $13-16 Billion
LUVOIR-B: $8-12 Billion
Compared to either Hubble or Webb, what would LUVOIR's operating temperature be?
I know for Webb's heavy infrared science it has to be cooled roughly to 50 Kelvin. I'm curious how temperature limits what range a telescope can see into the infrared (kinda obvious, but curious on the specifics).
Any date for the selection of the next telescope?