There was a problem with the telescope's Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI) and engineers have found a way to fix it. The instrument has not been used since August and the team is planning to use it again.
The team detected increased friction with one of the wheels as they prepared for their observations. The wheel can be used to pick between short, medium and long wavelength light.
Engineers and scientists agreed to stop observing until the teams could investigate the problem in greater detail. The design of the instrument and wheels were examined. The other MIRI modes worked well as well as the other instruments.
Increased contact forces between sub-components of the wheel central bearing assembly under certain conditions are believed to be the cause of the issue. The team came up with a plan for how to use the affected mechanism.
The plan was tested with an engineering test on November 2nd. The plan is to resume observations by the 12th of November.
It's in time as well. The polar regions of Saturn are scheduled to become unobservable by the telescope in 20 years.
Following a plan to keep the wheel in balance, monitor wheel health, and prepare MIRI MRS for a return to full science operations, the team will schedule additional MRS science observations.
One of the most important instruments is MIri. The wavelength range is from 5 to 27 micrometers. There are 4 modes of the instrument.
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