World Solve

Turbulence, magnetic fields, and feedback from young stars interact in complex ways to set stellar masses and rates. Multi-scale simulations and high-resolution observations with radio and infrared telescopes can help disentangle these effects.

Theory predicts metal-free stars that reionized the Universe, but no such stars have been observed. JWST-class telescopes and 21cm cosmology experiments could provide indirect signatures.

Many asteroids and comets capable of regional or global damage remain undiscovered. Enhanced survey telescopes and radar characterization programs are required.

Formation flying for interferometry demands extreme precision. Advances in control theory and sensor technology are needed.

Identifying traces of methane, ozone, and water vapor simultaneously on rocky extrasolar planets remains at the limit of current telescopes. Space-based starshades and high-contrast coronagraphs are needed to resolve atmospheric details.

Next-generation telescopes and gigawatt-scale space solar power arrays are too large to fit in single rocket fairings. Highly coordinated multi-robot assembly systems operating in microgravity need to be developed and standardized.

A host star is millions to billions of times brighter than a reflecting planet, blinding optical telescopes. Next-generation space interferometers and giant optical starshades are required to resolve exoplanet oceans and continents.

Large mega-constellations reflect sunlight and emit spurious radio frequencies, interfering with ground-based optical and radio telescopes. Low-reflectivity coatings, active satellite beam steering, and mitigation software are needed.

Primary mirrors for space telescopes cannot exceed launch vehicle dimensions without complex, failure-prone mechanical folding. Dynamic fluidic mirrors and membrane optics created in orbit offer a promising alternative.

Earth's shifting atmosphere blurs astronomical imagery, requiring expensive adaptive optics systems with limited fields of view. Next-generation artificial laser guide star arrays and photonic lanterns are needed.

Solar glare blinds optical ground survey telescopes, leaving blind spots where dangerous asteroids can approach unnoticed. Space-based infrared observatories placed at Lagrange point L1 are required for solar-side scanning.