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NASA is developing a new instrument named Spectre for the Infrared Telescope Facility on Mauna Kea, Hawaii, to rapidly characterize near-Earth asteroids. As astronomical survey facilities advance, the discovery of potentially hazardous asteroids is expected to rise.

Spectre will provide swift spectroscopic observations to assess the composition, size, and mass of these objects. Designed as an integral field spectrograph, Spectre can capture a wide range of wavelengths simultaneously, essential for identifying faint and fast-moving asteroids.

Its construction includes a vacuum-sealed structure housing three spectrographs, operating at extremely low temperatures to minimize infrared interference. Major components have arrived in Hilo, with integration and testing set before its installation in 2028. Once operational, Spectre will contribute significantly to planetary defense and enhance the understanding of both near-Earth objects and other astronomical phenomena.