During the last decade, the synergy between space-based infrared observations and theoretical/numerical modeling transformed our view of galaxy formation at cosmic dawn, and progress is expected to accelerate with next generation facilities. I will review the status of the field, in particular recent Hubble WFC3 observations, and discuss prospects to make the next leap forward to characterize the interconnection between dark-matter halo assembly, star formation and chemical enrichment in the first generation of galaxies with the James Webb Space Telescope. I will also highlight opportunities to complement flagship observatories with miniaturised space telescopes operating as distributed-aperture constellations, and briefly introduce the SpIRIT nanosatellite – Australia’s first space telescope mission – that is expected to be operational in 2023 and detect cosmic explosions out to cosmic dawn.

Archived Recording: