NASA’s far-IR/submillimeter roadmap missions: SAFIR and SPECS Original Research Article

The Single Aperture Far-Infrared (SAFIR) Telescope, a 10 m class, background-limited observatory, and the Submillimeter Probe of the Evolution of Cosmic Structure (SPECS), a kilometer maximum baseline far-IR/submillimeter (FIR/SMM) interferometer, were recently added to the NASA space science roadmap. We briefly describe the process that led to this adoption, explain the need for high angular resolution and sensitivity in the FIR/SMM, describe the two roadmap missions, and discuss associated practical considerations, including the new technology requirements and the potential opportunity for international collaboration.