The James Webb Space Telescope just completed another phase.
NASA reported on Friday that engineers have successfully aligned all but one of the instruments on the $10 billion space telescope for the first time.
The interim instrument adjustment was so successful that the engineers decided not to realign the secondary mirror if they determined that anything was out of line. The final phase of multi-instrument alignment will place after the final instrument cools, according to NASA. The agency stated that the cooling milestone should happen in the weeks ahead.
Live updates: NASA's James Webb Space Telescope mission
Related: How the James Webb Space Telescope works in pictures
During the six-month period, the mirrors and instruments will be aligned to capture faint light from the universe. NASA has room for more adjustments due to the fact that components may behave or align differently once they reach the temperatures of deep space.
Engineers celebrated not having to do mirror realignments during the sixth phase of the project.
The NASA statement said that the accomplishment was due to many years of planning and great teamwork. The optical mirror system was provided by Ball.
Engineers are waiting for the cooling of the telescope's mid-infrared instrument, which requires ultra-cool or cryogenic temperatures to pick up on the heat signatures of distant objects.
Once MIRI cools to its operating temperature in the weeks ahead, a second multi-instrument alignment will occur to make final adjustments to the instruments and mirrors.
Once the telescope can focus its light successfully in each instrument, the agency plans a key decision meeting to confirm the aligning process is complete.
The team will transition from alignment efforts to commission each instrument for scientific operations. The program of early science is expected to start in June and the program of operational science is expected to start in mid-2023.
Follow Elizabeth on social media. Follow us on social media.
All Rights Reserved © 2024
