The UK is set to play a pivotal role in the groundbreaking LiteBIRD mission, a Japanese-led initiative to trace patterns in space light, offering insights into the nature of the Universe and its origins, almost dating back to the Big Bang.

The LiteBIRD mission aims to analyse variations in light remaining from the Big Bang, testing the current theory of the Universe’s rapid expansion after formation. The UK Space Agency has committed an initial £2.7 million to fund UK scientists’ involvement in designing specialised science instruments for LiteBIRD and producing telescopes’ lenses and filters at Cardiff University.

LiteBIRD, part of growing UK-Japan space collaborations, will use Cardiff University’s specialised telescope technology, examining B-mode polarisation patterns in cosmic microwave background radiation to scrutinise the inflation theory postulated by cosmological models.

The UK Space Agency plans to invest a total of £17 million in the LiteBIRD mission, scheduled for launch before 2030, marking a significant step in deepening scientific collaboration between the UK and Japan.

George Freeman MP, Minister for Space, emphasised the significant moment for UK space science and technology, showcasing the nation’s deepening collaboration with Japan in scientific and technological innovation.

Dr. Paul Bate, Chief Executive of the UK Space Agency, expressed excitement about LiteBIRD potentially being a game-changer for cosmology, pushing the boundaries of space science and addressing fundamental questions about the Universe’s origins.

LiteBIRD’s innovative approach, involving international collaboration, is expected to provide new insights into the Universe’s early moments, ultimately advancing humanity’s understanding of cosmology.