We will be following a plan of work that follows on from FY23 IRAD work to measure the contrast performance of next generation micro shutter arrays (NGMSAs), as well as an investigation of electrostatic repeatability issues associated with shutter open/close and manufacture shorts in the silicon structure. Our work will demonstrate not only the performance of the device but the control and manufacturability of the shutters and their blades as well as control of the light shield structure to prevent light spilling through a closed shutter. We will demonstrate the performance meets the requirement for the UV spectrograph instrument baselined by both the LUVOIR and HabEx studies for the future Habitable Worlds Observatory (HWO) Flagship.

The objective of our project is to advance a key technology required to deliver the necessary instrumental observing performance required for the HWO mission. The expected time horizon for the development is defined by the expected ramp-up in technology development funds for HWO through the GOMAP program which we expect to start some time in the next 1-2 years. These efforts will position the MSA technology as a shovel-ready solution when that program begins, and, in combination with other efforts such as coatings and detectors, position Goddard as the go-to partner to lead the UV instrument.