Speaker: Shah Mohammad Bahauddin, PhD, Research Faculty, Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP), Astrophysical & Planetary Sciences Department, University of Colorado, Boulder, USA.

Abstract: The next frontier of astronomy lies in leveraging the unique environments of space and the Moon to unlock unprecedented scientific discoveries. This presentation will explore the speaker’s journey of transforming scientific questions into mission concepts, focusing on the development of space and lunar observatories. Drawing on experience with NASA mission concepts, the talk will emphasize the intersection of scientific motivation, instrument design, and mission planning. It will also highlight the transformative potential of innovative technologies, such as advanced optical designs, onboard artificial intelligence, and cutting-edge signal processing techniques, in enabling new avenues for space astronomy. By harnessing the unique advantages of space-based and lunar observatories, these missions aim to address fundamental questions about the origins, dynamics, and evolution of the universe.