OUR MISSION

SPICA/SMI (SPICA Mid-Infrared Instrument) is an extremely sensitive spectrometer
and imager working at wavelengths of 10–36 μm. The wavelength range is covered by three spectrometers (LR, MR, and HR) and one imager (CAM). At the mid-infrared wavelengths, various atomic, molecular, and dust emissions are observed. SMI will uncover the evolution of galaxies and planetary systems through the study of these emissions from the interstellar matter. SMI is the Japanese-led instrument proposed and managed by a nation-wide consortium in Japan and will be developed in collaboration with Taiwan and the US. In particular, ASIAA in Taiwan is a major partner for the development of the IR array detectors.