UH continues UKIRT decommissioning; science operations to end this fall

The University of Hawaiʻi is taking another significant step toward reducing the number of  telescopes on Maunakea, announcing July 1, 2026 that science operations at UKIRT will  conclude on September 15. Aging facilities and funding challenges, especially given the  expiration of the UH master lease in 2033, in addition to the obligations contained in the UH  Master Plan, led to the decision to end science operations. The U.S. Naval Observatory has  sponsored scientific research at UKIRT for many years, supporting decades of discovery  through the telescope.  

UKIRT will become the third Maunakea telescope to be decommissioned. In 2025, the UH Institute for Astronomy (IfA) announced plans to remove the observatory following the  conclusion of its science mission. Current planning targets completion of the decommissioning process by 2030.  

"UKIRT has had an extraordinary run and has been one of the most prolific telescopes on the  planet," said Doug Simons, director of the UH Institute for Astronomy (IfA). "For nearly five  decades it has expanded our understanding of the universe, helped train generations of  astronomers and strengthened Hawaiʻi's reputation as one of the world's premier locations for  astronomical discovery."  

Decades of discovery  

IfA assumed ownership of UKIRT in 2014 after the United Kingdom ended funding for the  facility. The combined scientific impact of the telescopes on Maunakea is #1 worldwide for  collocated observatories and UKIRT has been an important contributor to that remarkable  scientific legacy. Since opening in 1979, it has helped scientists understand how stars and  planets form, map vast regions of the Milky Way, study distant galaxies and train generations of  astronomers.  

Eight full-time employees currently support UKIRT operations and will continue to have the  opportunity to support operations through the September 15 closure date.  

Proven decommissioning process  

The decommissioning of the first two Maunakea telescopes, the Caltech Submillimeter  Observatory and the UH Hilo Hōkū Keʻa Observatory, was completed in 2024. Under the UH developed Maunakea Master Plan and Maunakea Comprehensive Management Plan (CMP),  the university committed to reducing the number of observatories on Maunakea while continuing  world-class astronomy and responsible stewardship.  

Guided by the CMP's Decommissioning Plan for the Maunakea Observatories, the UH Hilo  Center for Maunakea Stewardship (CMS) oversaw the first two decommissioning projects. This  fall, UH will hire a consultant to develop a detailed cost estimate, project schedule and permitting plan for the UKIRT decommissioning. The construction company selected for the  project will coordinate closely with CMS, IfA, and other UH offices, building on the practices  established during the previous decommissioning projects. Those practices include cultural  training for construction crews and the integration of Native Hawaiian protocol into every stage  of the work, from deconstruction through site restoration.  

"Decommissioning is about honoring our commitment to care for Maunakea," said Greg Chun,  CMS executive director. "Every decommissioning project is an opportunity to demonstrate that  our commitment extends beyond astronomy to restoring these sites with care, respect and  purpose."  

Management responsibilities for Maunakea are transitioning from CMS to the Maunakea  Stewardship and Oversight Authority (MKSOA), established by the Hawaiʻi State Legislature in  2022. Throughout the UKIRT planning, permitting and decommissioning process, CMS will  continue working closely with MKSOA while engaging the Hawaiʻi Island community.