https://academic.oup.com/rasti/pages/habitable-world-observatory?login=true

To prepare for HWO, NASA has begun early mission concept maturation activities with extensive community participation to explore the mission trade space spanning science, engineering, and science-engineering interfaces. These efforts include the creation of software tools in support of mission concept development (e.g., data simulators, multi-dimensional visualizations, exposure time calculators, instrument performance evaluators), exploration of the opportunities and challenges in applying advanced statistical methodologies (e.g., AI/ML, integrated modeling, uncertainty quantification) throughout the mission lifecycle, and development of datasets and data analysis tools for mission planning and preparatory science. This Special Issue welcomes submissions on such topics, and others that fall within the scope of RASTI, in furtherance of the HWO mission concept development.

The journal is pleased to invite submissions, with a deadline of 31st August 2026.

Submissions should follow the RASTI Author Guidelines and be submitted via the RASTI ScholarOne portal. Upon submission, please mention the Special Issue in your cover letter, and select the relevant Special Issue from the drop-down menu when indicated.

Please note that papers will be subject to the usual RASTI peer review process, and that to be published in the Special Issue, all articles will need to meet the journal’s criteria for acceptance. The Guest Editors reserve the right to reject any submission that does not meet these standards.

All accepted manuscripts will be published immediately upon acceptance, and collated into a virtual Special Issue  once the Version of Record has been published.

For any queries about submitting to the Special Issue, please contact Managing Editor, Alice Power (apower@ras.ac.uk).

Associated links:

• RASTI Author Guidelines: https://academic.oup.com/rasti/pages/general-instructions
• RASTI ScholarOne Portal: https://mc.manuscriptcentral.com/rasti 

Guest Editors:

• Megan Ansdell, NASA HQ (RASTI Editor)
• Caleb Scharf, NASA Ames Research Center, Senior Scientist for Astrobiology
• Brett Morris, Space Telescope Science Institute, Senior Software Engineer
• Evana Gizzi, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Strategic Research Advisor, Small Satellites