The implementation stages of the James Webb Space Telescope have just begun a new era.
Engineers have successfully connected to space and equipment on the $ 10 billion space network for the first time, NASA reported on Friday (April 1) as Webb continues to cool in deep temperatures. after the Dec. release. 25, 2021.
The instrumentation was so complex that the engineers decided they didn’t need to re -repair Webb’s second glass, which was an option if they decided to go out of line. The final phase of the “multi-instrument alignment,” as NASA said in the process, will take place after the final instrument has cooled. The consolation should be done “weeks in advance,” the agency said.
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Webb is going through a long driving time, six months to properly customize his glasses and equipment to capture soft light from around the world. The drop in temperature is difficult in the process because these particles can be of any shape or shape when they reach deep -sea temperatures, which is why NASA found it. a room for further adjustments.
But now, engineers celebrate that they don’t have to do glass fixes during Webb’s sixth year.
“This achievement is due to many years of development and collaboration between the wave technology team,” Chanda Walker, Webb wavefront sensing and control scientist at Ball Aerospace, told NASA. . (Ball provided the optical glass system for Webb.)
Engineers are waiting for the demise of the mid-infrared sensor (MIRI), which requires ultra-cool and cryogenic temperatures to capture the infrared heat signals of distant objects, whether they are exoplanets or planets. Galaxies at birth.
“Once MIRI is fully satisfied with its cryogenic temperature in the coming weeks, a couple of instruments will be made to make final repairs to the instruments and mirrors if necessary. “said NASA.
Once the telescope is able to properly focus its light on each instrument, the agency will organize a “critical decision -making team” to ensure the process is complete, NASA added.
“Then the team will shift from alignment tasks to ordering each tool for scientific tasks,” the company continues. A first science program (Cycle 1) is expected to begin around June, with a “Cycle 2” working science project expected to begin mid -2023.
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