NASA's new observatory is one step closer to gathering some cool science.
The telescope has spent its time in space so far executing a complicated sequence of deployment to unfold its final configuration. The mission team achieved another step in the sequence at 8:48 a.m. on Thursday. The telescope's Aft Deployable Instrument Radiator (ADIR) swung into place, according to a NASA statement.
The back of the observatory has a panel attached to it that is connected by aluminum foil straps to the instruments. The mechanism to pull heat away from the observatory instruments and send it into space is thanks to the honeycomb cells on the radiator.
NASA's James Webb Space Telescope mission is live.
The James Webb Space Telescope works in pictures.
The ADIR was folded into the launch configuration by four locks, three of which opened shortly after the launch. During the 15-minute process executed today, the panel reached its final arrangement.
The technology that will allow the observatory to catch faint signals is called the radiator. Because of the connection between heat and light, the instruments are very cold. The observatory's large sun shield and remote location will keep heat away from the sensitive instruments.
The ADIR milestone comes a day after the observatory successfully deployed its secondary mirror, which is held on a tripod-like structure in front of the golden main mirror.
The two side panels of the primary mirror are about to be unfolded. The mirror in its final state is too large to fit in the rocket fairing that launched the observatory. Two three-segment side panels were folded back.
The process is expected to begin on Friday with the Port Primary Mirror Wing and end on Saturday with the Starboard Primary Mirror Wing.
NASA will broadcast a live broadcast from mission control of the second mirror wing deployment, and will also hold a press conference after the process is complete.
Follow her on social media: EmailMeghan Bartels at mbartels@space.com Follow us on social media.
