Decommissioning of UKIRT telescope atop Mauna Kea on Big Island officially underway

University of Hawaiʻi Institute for Astronomy last week officially began the decommissioning process for the UH-owned UKIRT telescope — formerly known as the United Kingdom Infrared Telescope — atop Mauna Kea on the Big Island.

It will be the third Mauna Kea observatory decommissioned under the university’s Maunakea Comprehensive Management Plan, following Caltech Submillimeter Observatory and University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo’s Hōkū Keʻa Observatory, both completed in 2024.

UKIRT’s decommissioning also will mark another milestone in the university’s long-term commitment to responsible stewardship of the mauna.

“I am glad to see us making progress on our commitment to decommission another facility on the mauna,” said University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Chancellor Bonnie Irwin in the decommissioning announcement. “Just as importantly, we do this work with the full awareness of the cultural and environmental significance of this place.”

Decommissioning will be done in close coordination with Center for Maunakea Stewardship.

The center will also consult with Maunakea Stewardship and Oversight Authority and engage the Hawaiʻi Island community throughout the process as it did during the previous two decommissioning projects.

“This is a deeply meaningful process for [University of Hawaiʻi] and the broader community,” said Center for Maunakea Stewardship Executive Director Greg Chun in the announcement. “Decommissioning is more than physical removal, it’s about honoring our commitments, restoring the ʻāina and engaging with cultural and community voices every step of the way.”

Submission of a Notice of Intent to decommission will begin the process followed by a request for proposals.

The selected company will be required to coordinate closely with Center for Maunakea Stewardship and follow the Decommissioning Plan for the Maunakea Observatories.

On-site work to remove the telescope will begin once planning, permitting and consultation are complete.

Caltech Submillimeter Observatory and University of Hōkū Keʻa Observatory decommissionings set a precedent for enhancing the cultural sensitivity of those working on large construction projects on the mauna.

Crews underwent cultural training, and Native Hawaiian protocol was carefully integrated into each stage of the process — from deconstruction to restoration.

“Earlier this year, I had the privilege of visiting the mauna and witnessing the outstanding work [Center for Maunakea Stewardship] has done to successfully oversee the decommissioning of the first two observatories,” said University of Hawaiʻi President Wendy Hensel in the announcement. “What strikes me most is the [Center for Maunakea Stewardship] team’s deep sense of responsibility to carrying out [University of Hawaiʻi’s] commitments and ensuring this process is conducted responsibly, with great care and respect for this special place.”

The UKIRT Observatory began operations in 1979 and was originally built and operated by the United Kingdom’s science agencies.

Through the decades, it contributed to significant scientific advancements and helped establish Hawaiʻi as a global center for astronomical research.

UKIRT is especially known for extending infrared survey imaging to unprecedented depths and coverage.

Ownership of the observatory was transferred to Institute for Astronomy in 2014 after the United Kingdom ended its funding for the facility.

U.S. Naval Observatory became the principal sponsor of UKIRT operations during recent years, enabling an all-sky infrared survey that has supported a wide range of astrophysical research and enhanced the Celestial Reference Frame, a critical system used for global positional measurements, including GPS.

“It was decided that the decommissioning process would begin once the all-sky survey is complete,” said Institute for Astronomy Director Doug Simons in the announcement. “I am deeply grateful for the [U.S. Naval Observatory’s] support in recent years. Right up to the end, UKIRT remained highly productive and will leave a lasting scientific legacy.”

UKIRT will continue its scientific work during the initial stages of decommissioning, including the required environment studies, permits and community consultations needed before site work can begin.