NASA Infrared Telescope Facility

NASA’s Infrared Telescope Facility is a 3.2-meter telescope at Mauna Kea Observatory in Hawaii, originally built for the Voyager missions and later established as the United States national facility for infrared astronomy. Operated by the University of Hawaii under agreement with NASA, it reserves at least half its observing time for planetary science. Its Cassegrain design minimizes heat that could disrupt infrared measurements, and its instruments support studies of planets, small bodies, stars, and deep space. Remote observing has become central to its work, enabling flexible scheduling and rapid response to events such as supernovae and near-Earth asteroids while preserving its specialized infrared mission.

Paauilo, Hawaii · United States