HIRMES: SOFIA's latest high-resolution Mid-infrared Spectrometer

SOFIA is a unique NASA mission that combines the capabilities of a satellite and an Earth-based observatory. It features an infrared telescope on a 747SP jet, allowing it to fly above most water vapor that blocks infrared light. SOFIA's instruments can be upgraded, enhancing its capabilities. The HIRMES instrument, developed by NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, will improve SOFIA's sensitivity to far infrared wavelengths, aiding in the study of planet formation. HIRMES requires extremely cold detectors to function, and SOFIA's design minimizes vibration to prevent image blurring. By observing protoplanetary disks, HIRMES will help locate water vapor and ice transitions, providing insights into exoplanet composition.

What are the key missions of HIRMES in relation to water vapor and ice?

Explain how the findings from SOFIA and HIRMES can contribute to our understanding of exoplanets.