  The Maunakea Spectroscopic Explorer (MSE) is a massively multiplexed
spectroscopic survey facility that will replace the Canada-France-Hawaii
Telescope over the next two decades. This 12.5-meter telescope, with its 1.5
square degree field-of-view, will observe 18,000-20,000 astronomical targets in
every pointing from 0.36-1.80 microns at low/moderate resolution (R~3,000,
6,000) and from 0.36-0.90 microns at high resolution (R~30,000). Parallel
positioning of all fibers in the field will occur, providing simultaneous
full-field coverage for both resolution modes. Unveiling the composition and
dynamics of the faint Universe, MSE will impact nearly every field of
astrophysics across all spatial scales, from individual stars to the largest
scale structures in the Universe, including (i) the ultimate Gaia follow-up
facility for understanding the chemistry and dynamics of the distant Milky Way,
including the distant halo at high spectral resolution, (ii) the unparalleled
study of galaxy formation and evolution at cosmic noon, (iii) the determination
of the neutrino mass, and (iv) the generation of insights into inflationary
physics through a cosmological redshift survey that probes a large volume of
the Universe with a high galaxy density. Initially, CFHT will build a
Pathfinder instrument to fast-track the development of MSE technology while
providing multi-object and IFU spectroscopic capability.
