Thanks to a camera linked to the Internet, it is possible to follow the James Webb Space Telescope preparations.
An artist’s impression of the JWST or James Webb Space Telescope. The name of this space telescope pays tribute to James Webb (1906-1992), NASA’s Administrator from 1961 to 1968 who supervised the first American human space flights and thus prepared the Apollo lunar programme. Credit: ESA
Next month will see the celebration of Hubble’s twentieth birthday, notably with the releasing of the IMAX 3D film (see this article). Although there is no question of shutting down the famous space telescope whilst it is still working, its successor already exists and, to be exact, is in its test phase with a launch scheduled for 2014. A “Webb-cam” for the JWST This future space telescope associates NASA, the ESA, European Space Agency, and the CSA, Canadian Space Agency. Bigger than Hubble, it is, above all, characterised by its impressive, 6.5 m diameter, main mirror! The dimensions of this space observatory are such that it has to be folded so that it can fit under the nose cone of the European Ariane 5 rocket. The video below shows the planned unfolding sequences. It is worthy of note that the mirror is comprised of hexagonal pieces grouped into three articulated sections!
Presented as the successor to Hubble, the James Webb Space Telescope (its name pays tribute to NASA’s second Administrator) or JWST is, however, to specialise in the infrared light wavelength range*. Astronomers are therefore hoping to observe the first stars and galaxies that formed after the Big Bang.
This full-size model of the JWST gives an idea of its impressive dimensions: the diameter of the mirror measures 6.5 m and its heat shield (the grey part) is as big as a tennis court. When it is launched by an Ariane 5 rocket, the JWST will tip the balance at a mere 6.2 tonnes. Credit: NASA/Goddard
This JWST currently exists, but only as a collection of spare parts (its mirror, instruments and other miscellaneous pieces of equipment) which are arriving at NASA’s Goddard Space Center for testing in the clean room of building 29. A Webcam has been installed so that Internet users can follow these delicate operations live! NASA has introduced a touch of humour as regards the James Webb (with 2 b’s) telescope by talking about a “Webb-cam”...
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