Superconducting Detectors for THz Space Astrophysics

Superconducting THz detectors were first used in astronomy more than four decades ago, and fifteen years have passed since they were used very successfully on the Herschel Space Observatory. Recent technology advances in superconducting THz detectors now promise many orders of magnitude improvement in sensitivity for astrophysics space missions. I will review the history of this field, the various types of detectors that are used, and their status and future prospects.