Technological Developments of NexGen Micro-Shutter Array (NGMSA) for the Future Habitable Worlds Observatory (HWO) Flagship Mission

Abstract

We present the most up to date advancements in production, design, and performance of the NexGen Micro-Shutter Array (NGMSA) for Multi-object Spectroscopy (MOS), intended for the future Habitable Worlds Observatory (HWO) Flagship. A microshutter array functions as a programmable slit mask, to generate slits corresponding to sparsely distributed sources in the field of view of a telescope. In contrast to the magnetic/electrostatic microshutter arrays used in the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), the NGMSA is fully operated by electrostatics, simplifying overall system. Our small pilot array proved its capability from FORTIS sounding rocket mission in 2019. As we are switching to a larger HWO flight size array process, we encounter multiple processing related issues. Also, there has been individual shutter level issue that impairs operation and performance. We will discuss those problems and strategies to overcome the challenges to achieve an on/off contrast of >1e5 with near 100% shutter operability.