NASA Completes Assembly of Webb's Primary Mirror, Prepares for Cryogenic Testing
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has recently achieved a significant milestone in the construction of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). The team responsible for building the telescope's primary mirror has successfully assembled and aligned all 18 of its hexagonal segments, completing the mirror's primary structure.
Intricate Construction and Alignment
The primary mirror of the JWST, measuring over 6.5 meters (21.3 feet) in diameter, is the largest and most complex space telescope primary mirror ever built. It consists of 18 hexagonal segments, each made of gold-plated beryllium. These segments were meticulously crafted and polished to achieve the precise shape and surface smoothness required for optimal image quality.
To assemble the mirror, the segments were carefully positioned and aligned using a complex system of actuators and sensors. The team used advanced metrology techniques to ensure that each segment was placed with sub-micrometer precision. The assembly process required extreme care and attention to detail, as even the slightest misalignment could affect the telescope's performance.
Cryogenic Testing and Deployment
With the primary mirror assembly complete, the JWST team will now proceed with cryogenic testing. The telescope will be subjected to extremely cold temperatures (-233 degrees Celsius or -387 degrees Fahrenheit) to simulate the conditions it will encounter in space.
During cryogenic testing, the team will monitor the mirror's performance under these harsh conditions. They will evaluate its shape stability, thermal expansion, and optical alignment. The testing will ensure that the mirror can withstand the extreme temperature fluctuations it will experience during its mission.
Upon successful completion of cryogenic testing, the primary mirror will be integrated into the telescope's overall structure. The JWST will then undergo further testing and calibration before being launched into space in 2021.
Scientific Breakthroughs Await
The James Webb Space Telescope is designed to revolutionize our understanding of the universe. With its unprecedented sensitivity and high-resolution imaging capabilities, the JWST will enable astronomers to study the earliest galaxies, witness the birth of stars and planets, and search for signs of life beyond Earth.
The completion of the primary mirror assembly marks a critical milestone in the development of the JWST. It brings the telescope one step closer to its launch and the exciting scientific discoveries that await us.
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