There was a problem with the mode on one of the instruments after the telescope began its science operations. Engineers have a way to deal with the issue and the instrument can be used again.
NASA said in September that one mode of the instrument was malfunctioning. The medium-resolution spectroscopy (MRS) mode, which was one of the four instruments that can operate in multiple modes, stopped functioning on August 24.
A grating wheel, a piece of moving hardware that changes the filter used by the instrument mode, caused the problem. The teams stopped using the mode while they figured out what was wrong with the wheel.
According to a NASA update, the problem is likely caused by increased contact forces between sub-components of the wheel central bearing assembly. The good news is that they have found a way to use the mode safely, as they are now able to predict how muchfriction will be experienced when the wheel is used.
The MRS mode can be used again. The mode will be used to look at the poles of the giant planet.
If the wheel continues to operate well, it will be returned to full operations in the future, but future observations will be limited to make sure the wheel continues to be healthy.
Unlike the other three Webb instruments, MIRI operates in the mid-IR range. It has to operate at a lower temperature than the other instruments and is useful for different types of science. The mid-infrared range is useful for studying stars and planets.
The principal investigator for the European Consortium behind the MIRI said in a statement that it is an exciting wavelength range in terms of chemistry and how it can be understood.
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