NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope mission: Live updates

One other gorgeous preview

It is one other teaser for simply how a lot we now have to stay up for on Tuesday (July 12) when NASA unveils the primary science-quality photographs from the James Webb Area Telescope. (Watch reside right here.) On Wednesday (July 7), NASA launched an engineering picture taken by the observatory’s Nice Steering Sensor — not a science software however an engineering instrument that retains the telescope pointing correctly. Nonetheless, the brand new picture is at the moment the deepest ever view of the universe and guarantees good issues to return from the observatory. Learn extra>

“That is actually solely the start.”

Throughout a media occasion held on Wednesday (June 29), scientists hailed the James Webb Area Telescope photographs that NASA will launch on July 12. Company officers hinted at what a few of these photographs might be, scientists mentioned what they hope to be taught from the observatory’s early work, and engineers recounted tense moments from the lengthy path to having an operational telescope in house. Learn extra>

Pay attention reside!

NASA officers will focus on preparations for the primary science-quality photographs from the James Webb Area Telescope throughout a media teleconference as we speak that you would be able to hearken to reside starting at 10 a.m. EDT (1400 GMT) within the window above, courtesy of NASA.

Webb’s first instrument is prepared for science!

The primary of the James Webb Area Telescope’s 4 devices has been declared prepared for science. The Close to-Infrared Imager and Slitless Spectrograph instrument, or NIRISS, is designed to assist scientists research the atmospheres of exoplanets, amongst different science duties. Learn extra>

In the meantime, house followers across the globe are counting right down to July 12, when NASA has stated it should unveil the primary science photographs from the observatory. You’ll watch the announcement reside on Area.com, in fact, and keep tuned for extra protection.

Webb suffers first micrometeoroid impacts

The James Webb Area Telescope has suffered its first few micrometeoroid impacts, based on a NASA assertion. The observatory has skilled 4 small impacts in addition to one bigger strike that hit one of many 18 main mirror segments. Nevertheless, the company stated that it doesn’t anticipate significant modifications to the timeline for first science-quality photographs from the mission or to the observatory’s total scientific legacy. Learn extra>

Mark your calendars!

NASA has introduced that it’s going to unveil the primary science-quality photographs from the James Webb Area Telescope on July 12. We do not but know what celestial objects these photographs will present — however they need to be unimaginable. “These photographs would be the fruits of a long time of dedication, expertise, and desires — however they may also be just the start,” Eric Smith, Webb program scientist at NASA, stated in an announcement. Learn extra>

Webb tracked an asteroid for the primary time

The James Webb Area Telescope has efficiently tracked an asteroid, an vital testing milestone that proves the observatory can monitor objects inside our photo voltaic system that seem like shifting fairly rapidly. Learn extra>

Webb is within the homestretch of commissioning

NASA supplied an replace on the commissioning of the James Webb Area Telescope on Monday (Might 9), which highlighted a check picture taken by its Mid-Infrared Instrument, or MIRI. The company in contrast the brand new picture, displaying a part of the neighboring Giant Magellanic Cloud galaxy, with one taken by NASA’s earlier infrared observatory, the retired Spitzer Area Telescope. Learn extra>

NASA will replace on Webb’s ultimate prep levels

The James Webb Area Telescope is coming into its ultimate commissioning part earlier than starting science operations this summer season. The final part will concentrate on testing the devices aboard the observatory and is anticipated to take about two months.

NASA personnel will replace the general public concerning the telescope’s progress up to now and what stays to be executed throughout a information convention on Monday (Might 9) at 11 a.m. EDT (1500 GMT), which you’ll be able to watch right here on Area.com courtesy of the company or immediately on the company’s web site.

Learn extra>

Webb is totally aligned and the views are gorgeous!

The three-month means of aligning the James Webb Area Telescope’s devices and mirrors is lastly full, based on a NASA assertion launched as we speak (April 28). The company shared pattern photographs that, whereas small, showcase the sharp focus of the instrument and supply a tantalizing have a look at what’s to return. Learn extra>

Webb cools down

In a brand new replace, NASA revealed that the James Webb Area Telescope is nearly fully-cooled. 

Webb observes in infrared gentle, which we all know finest as warmth. To verify its observations aren’t contaminated by any warmth from the scope itself, Webb must be extraordinarily chilly. In a brand new weblog publish (opens in new tab), NASA shared that the house telescope could be very near its ultimate temperature. 

Webb’s Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI) is now cooled to underneath 7 kelvins (-447 levels Fahrenheit (-266 levels Celsius) and so Webb’s devices are all at their working temperatures. Now, the scope’s mirrors simply want to achieve their ultimate cooled-down temperatures. 

Webb meets essential temperature milestone

The James Webb Area Telescope’s Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI) lastly reached the super-cold temperature wanted to function as designed. As a result of the instrument targets infrared gentle, which manifests as warmth, the instrument should stay underneath 7 levels Kelvin, which is equal to minus 447 levels Fahrenheit (minus 266 levels Celsius). And after a sophisticated, cautious cooling course of, that milestone has been reached, based on NASA. Learn extra>

James Webb Area Telescope most heat-sensitive instrument cooling to absolute zero

The James Webb Area Telescope continues to chill right down to its working temperature of minus 369.4 levels Fahrenheit ( minus 223 levels Celsius) because it prepares to take its first scientific photographs of the distant universe this summer season. One of many telescope’s 4 devices, the Mid-InfraRed Instrument (MIRI), wants some additional assist from a devoted cryocooler because it must get to a fair colder temperature of  minus 447 levels F ( minus 266 levels C), solely 12 levels F (7 levels C) above absolute zero, the temperature the place the movement of atoms stops.

Only one alignment left

The James Webb Area Telescope has only one step of its seven-phase alignment course of left to finish, NASA introduced on April 1. The remaining step requires that the observatory’s most heat-sensitive instrument, the mid-infrared instrument or MIRI cool even farther. That ought to happen within the subsequent few weeks, NASA stated, at which level mission personnel can start calibrating the observatory’s devices. Learn extra>

Europe’s Gaia observatory spies James Webb Area Telescope (picture)

Europe’s star-mapping Gaia house observatory managed to snap a picture of NASA’s $10 billion James Webb Area Telescope on Feb. 18, when the duo have been about 620,000 miles (1 million kilometers) aside, we discovered as we speak (March 16).

You may’t see a lot of Webb — it seems as a faint speck towards a discipline of stars — however recognizing the scope in any respect is an actual achievement. Learn our full story right here.

James Webb Area Telescope notches “wonderful phasing” alignment milestone

The James Webb Area Telescope retains checking off packing containers on the way in which towards the beginning of science operations this summer season.

The Webb group has aligned the $10 billion scope’s 18 main mirror segments and targeted them on a single star, NASA officers introduced as we speak (March 16). Extra fine-tuning work stays, nevertheless it’s an enormous milestone for the mission and for NASA.

“Greater than 20 years in the past, the Webb group got down to construct essentially the most highly effective telescope that anybody has ever put in house and got here up with an audacious optical design to fulfill demanding science objectives,” Thomas Zurbuchen, affiliate administrator for NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, stated in an announcement as we speak. “In the present day we are able to say that design goes to ship.”

Learn the ful story right here.

NASA guarantees Wednesday Webb replace and new picture

NASA will replace the general public on Wednesday about progress aligning the James Webb Area Telescope’s main mirror. The golden mirror is made up of 18 hexagonal segments that should be in good alignment for the observatory to seize sharp photographs.

And it seems like that course of goes properly: NASA has promised a brand new picture as properly. “Individuals will share progress made in aligning Webb’s mirrors, leading to a totally targeted picture of a single star,” NASA officers wrote in an announcement (opens in new tab).

The NASA briefing will start on Wednesday (March 16) at 12 p.m. EDT (1600 GMT) and you may watch reside right here at Area.com or immediately through the company’s YouTube. Audio system will embrace:

• Thomas Zurbuchen, affiliate administrator, Science Mission Directorate, NASA Headquarters in Washington
• Lee Feinberg, Webb optical telescope ingredient supervisor, NASA’s Goddard Area Flight Middle in Greenbelt, Maryland
• Marshall Perrin, Webb deputy telescope scientist, Area Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore
• Jane Rigby, Webb operations mission scientist, Goddard
• Erin Wolf, Webb program supervisor, Ball Aerospace in Broomfield, Colorado

Webb telescope to check quasars, Kuiper Belt

Because the James Webb Area Telescope continues its checkout exams in deep-space, scientists proceed to eagerly await the flood of science discoveries they hope to make with the $10 billion house observatory. 

Our newest updates on the Webb house telescope’s mission should do with the Kuiper Belt and quasars, targets each close to (in astronomical scales) and much that Webb will observe to higher perceive the universe. 

First, the Kuiper Belt, which is residence to icy objects leftover from the formation of the photo voltaic system. As contributing author Elizabeth Howell writes as we speak, a few of Webb’s earliest duties might be to watch good quasars on the coronary heart of distant galaxies to check how these distant objects (powered by black holes billions of instances the mass of our solar) formed the early universe. You may learn the total story right here.

Extra nearer to house is the Kuiper Belt, the stomping grounds for Pluto and its greatest moon Charon, which might be a goal for Webb. As contributing author Stefanie Waldek studies, one other certainly one of Webb’s early science objectives might be to watch Pluto and another objects within the Kuiper Belt on the fringe of the photo voltaic system to trace them over time and study their floor chemistry and why there may be such a various vary of objects there. 

“Utilizing Webb, we will get details about floor chemistry which may be capable of give us some clues into why there are these completely different populations within the Kuiper Belt,” Heidi Hammel, a Webb interdisciplinary scientist for photo voltaic system observations, stated in an announcement. 

Learn the total story right here.

Webb instrument work continues

NASA engineers are engaged on the fourth stage of the lengthy course of to align the mirrors of the James Webb Area Telescope, based on a brand new assertion from the company.

The observatory’s Close to-Infrared Spectrograph (NIRSpec) instrument has completed preliminary check-out and its three key mechanisms have efficiently been characterised, the assertion famous. The instrument will enable Webb to check the “fingerprint” of sunshine of as much as 100 galaxies at a time, giving scientists essential details about mass, temperature and chemical composition.

We’re additionally highlighting extra of the analysis that Webb will execute as soon as science observations start, together with learning unusual “sub-Neptunes” and evaluating how the exercise of stars may have an effect on close by planets.

Learn extra

Almost midway by way of mirror alignment

The James Webb Area Telescope group simply accomplished the third of seven deliberate steps to align the 18 segments of Webb’s massive mirror. 

Through the second stage, referred to as “section alignment,” the group corrected the positions of Webb’s main mirror segments and up to date the alignment of the secondary mirror to convey the 18 particular person photographs into focus. They then stacked the 18 photographs to provide one unified picture. “After future alignment steps, the picture might be even sharper,” NASA officers stated in an announcement Friday (Feb. 25).

Learn the total story

Webb instrument work continues easily

Because the James Webb Area Telescope continues the sluggish commissioning part, work goes easily, based on a NASA assertion printed Thursday (Feb. 24). That replace notes particulars about progress in a number of devices, together with filter wheel calibration for the Close to Infrared Imager and Slitless Spectrograph (NIRISS) and wheel tuning for the Close to Infrared Digital camera (NIRCam). Engineers are additionally working to exactly align the 18 hexagonal segments that make up the observatory’s huge golden mirror.

Science observations will not be anticipated to start till this summer season, however there’s loads of science to get enthusiastic about throughout the wait. That science consists of plans to contribute to the Occasion Horizon Telescope’s observations of the black gap on the middle of the Milky Manner and a program to watch star formation at the moment hidden by layers of mud.

Sharpening sight

The primary picture NASA shared from the model new James Webb Area Telescope confirmed a star warped over 18 completely different photographs attributable to inconsistencies within the mirror’s alignment. Only a week later, a brand new picture nonetheless exhibits one star 18 instances, however now the flicker types a form of cosmic snowflake because the observatory’s picture has sharpened. Learn extra>

Science sneak peek: interstellar asteroids

Whereas James Webb Area Telescope engineers proceed aligning the observatory’s segmented golden mirror, scientists are looking forward to the analysis the telescope will start conducting this summer season. General, the observations will vary from our personal photo voltaic system to the very earliest days of the universe.

One instance of what astronomers hope to do with Webb? Examine any interstellar objects that come speeding by way of our photo voltaic system. So far, scientists have noticed two: ‘Oumuamua in 2017 and Comet Borisov in 2018. However the James Webb Area Telescope is extra highly effective than something within the sky throughout these two visits, plus it has the capability to watch in infrared, a key talent. Learn extra>

It is a lock!

The James Webb Area Telescope’s Nice Steering Sensor has efficiently locked onto a star for the primary time, based on a NASA assertion. The instrument performs a vital position facilitating observations, because it retains the telescope pointing towards the right goal. Learn extra>

Earlier than science observations can start, nevertheless, the observatory nonetheless wants to complete aligning the 18 hexagonal segments of its golden main mirror, a course of that the Nice Steering Sensor additionally helps. Though Webb has begun gathering observations and shared its first photographs final week, these will present the identical star a number of instances till the mirror segments are correctly aligned.

Webb mission group ecstatic over first photographs

In the present day (Feb. 11), NASA revealed that the James Webb Area Telescope has captured its first photographs of starlight.

And, whereas the mission group remains to be cautiously trying forward as there may be a lot work to be executed earlier than the scope is totally operational and able to start science observations, they’re ecstatic. 

“In any case these years, to really see knowledge after we’re in zero gravity in house, it’s emotional,” Lee Feinberg, the Webb optical telescope ingredient supervisor at NASA’s Goddard Area Flight Middle in Maryland, advised Area.com as we speak throughout a information convention

Nevertheless, “We nonetheless are being just a little cautious, as a result of we nonetheless have issues that we now have to get by way of … however I’ll positively say after I went residence Saturday night time, two days later [after the image was taken], I do know my spouse stated to me it was the primary time she’d seen me smile since December,” he added.

Learn extra concerning the group’s excited response and Webb’s thrilling milestone right here.

See Webb’s first view of house!

NASA has unveiled Webb’s first picture. The picture, as seen above, exhibits a star referred to as HD 84406 as seen by way of every of the observatory’s 18 golden mirror segments as scientists proceed to work to align the mirror to provide a single, ultra-crisp picture of the universe.

The company additionally posted a video sharing the story behind the picture:

However that is not all the joy for as we speak! NASA has additionally launched an annotated model of the identical picture, plus a “selfie” taken by the observatory of its personal golden mirror. See these photographs and skim extra right here>

And remember to hearken to NASA scientists discuss concerning the new photographs reside proper now (11 a.m. EST/1600 GMT)! You may pay attention right here at Area.com.

First Webb photographs out there tomorrow, NASA says

NASA will launch a number of the first photographs taken by the James Webb Area Telescope on Friday (Feb. 11) at 10:30 a.m. EST (1530 GMT), based on an company replace (opens in new tab). Whereas these photographs are an vital milestone within the observatory’s commissioning, do not get your hopes up for the subsequent nice view of the universe: These are photographs taken throughout the mirror alignment course of and are strictly utilitarian.

As well as, NASA will supply an replace on its progress aligning the 18 mirror segments of Webb’s huge main reflector. The teleconference will start at 11 a.m. EST (1400 GMT) and might be out there to hearken to on NASA TV (opens in new tab) or right here at Area.com.

Audio system will embrace:

• Lee Feinberg, Webb optical telescope ingredient supervisor, NASA’s Goddard Area Flight Middle in Greenbelt, Maryland
• Marshall Perrin, Webb deputy telescope scientist, Area Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore
• Marcia Rieke, principal investigator for the NIRCam instrument and regents professor of astronomy, College of Arizona in Tucson

Webb is painted black – however why?

NASA’s James Webb Area Telescope is lastly at its residence in house the place it is making ready to watch the cosmos. However to do that, it has to remain ultra-cold. (Webb’s “cool facet” is minus 388 levels Fahrenheit (minus 233 levels Celsius).)

Webb observes infrared gentle, aka warmth, which implies that to make sure that observations aren’t affected by any further heat the scope has to remain tremendous chilly. To maintain Webb chilly sufficient, the mission group painted its radiator (which helps to radiate warmth away from the telescope) and elements an ultra-black coloration. 

Learn extra about Webb’s paint job and why it has to remain so chilly right here.

“First gentle” photographs coming quickly

NASA could possibly be releasing the primary photographs from the James Webb Area Telescope within the subsequent few days, NASA’s Webb program director Greg Robinson stated in an company city corridor assembly as we speak (Feb. 8). However do not anticipate these first photographs to be fairly.

“So the gorgeous, very clear photographs that we anticipate to see, you may see these in the summertime someday roughly six months after launch,” Robinson stated. “Someday subsequent few days, you will notice a number of the first photographs that aren’t so clear … the aim of these is to align the mirrors and ensure your entire system is working,” he added. “We’re in that course of proper now. We only recently began it. So keep tuned over the subsequent few days on these.”

Telescope alignment begins

The James Webb Area Telescope mission group has begun the three-month means of aligning the telescope, NASA officers introduced as we speak (Feb. 3). 

“This milestone marks the primary of many steps to seize photographs which are at first unfocused and use them to slowly fine-tune the telescope,” NASA officers wrote in an replace as we speak (opens in new tab). “That is the very starting of the method, however up to now the preliminary outcomes match expectations and simulations.”

Learn the total story: Alignment of James Webb Area Telescope begins

James Webb Area Telescope’s exoplanet plan, devices on

NASA flight controllers are have switched on the 4 fundamental devices aboard the James Webb Area Telescope as they put together to snap the primary photographs of a goal star that might be used to align the observatory’s 18-segment fundamental mirror. 

The instrument activation started final week. This is our full report from senior author Tereza Pultarova. 

In the meantime, with Webb’s commissioning underway, scientists are actually eyeing a future of wonderful astronomy with the massive house observatory. One scientist, the Ph.D. candidate Louis-Philippe Coulombe of the College of Montreal, wrote in an op-ed that he’s desirous to see how Webb will assist map the ambiance of exoplanets,  one thing the observatory ought to be capable of do higher than any house telescope so far.

James Webb Area Telescope waking up

The James Webb Area Telescope is starting to get up. 

In a city corridor press convention on Friday (Jan. 28), scientists with NASA’s Webb Area Telescope mission outlined the work up to now to fee the observatory at its new residence on the Earth-sun Lagrange level 2. Throughout that digital briefing, Webb scientists outlined the activation sequence for Webb’s fundamental devices, in addition to the months-long mirror alignment and focusing work that’s underway now. 

Learn our full story from Elizabeth Howell on Webb’s commissioning work from the briefing.  

Meet Webb’s 1st goal star: HD 84406

Scientists with NASA’s James Webb Area Telescope have picked the primary star they may goal at with the brand new observatory and it is in a really acquainted place. 

The star, referred to as HD 84406, is positioned within the constellation Ursa Main, the Huge Bear, which is residence to a star sample you could know higher because the Huge Dipper. 

Webb scientists will use the star to focus every of the 18 mirror segments of Webb’s main mirror. HD 84406 is a sun-light star about 260 light-years from Earth, and may have binoculars to see clearly. 

This is our full story on HD 84406, the primary goal of the James Webb Area Telecope.

Additionally this week, Invoice Ochs, NASA’s Webb telescope mission supervisor, thanked the mission group for its superb work and dedication to get the observatory to its L2 observing spot. Ochs quoted Jimmy Buffett as he hailed the group, altering some key lyrics. 

Test it out! 

Howdy, devices!

Based on an emailed assertion from the Canadian Area Company (CSA), Webb will start turning on its science devices as we speak (Jan. 28). That can embrace the Nice Steering Sensor, which can information the observatory’s mirrors by way of the fragile alignment course of to show 18 small particular person views into one huge view of the universe.

Within the meantime, think about studying this op-ed from Thomas Zurbuchen, NASA’s affiliate administrator for science, celebrating the huge group behind the James Webb Area Telescope.

“We did it. We did it, and you may see that speck of sunshine within the sky due to an unimaginable group with extraordinary tenacity,” Zurbuchen wrote. Learn extra>

Scientists relieved (and thrilled) after Webb’s trek

With the James Webb Area Telescope now at its ultimate vacation spot, scientists can set free a deep sigh of aid. After simply over a month in house (and a long time in growth), Webb is now at its observing website. 

“We’re a month in, and the infant hasn’t even opened its eyes but. However that is the science that we’re trying ahead to,” Jane Rigby, Webb operations mission supervisor at NASA’s Goddard Area Flight Middle, stated throughout a media teleconference on Monday.

You may learn Rigby’s response and people of her Webb telescope colleagues on this replace from as we speak’s teleconference by contributing author Elizabeth Howell. 

Area.com Senior Author Chelsea Gohd has this account of Webb’s arrival at L2 with feedback from NASA chief Invoice Nelson and others.

The James Webb Area Telescope is “residence”

In the present day (Jan. 24), the James Webb Area Telescope arrived in orbit round L2, the second sun-Earth Lagrange level, its ultimate vacation spot after a protracted virtually million-mile (1.5 million kilometers) journey from Earth. 

To be taught extra about Webb’s arrival at L2, take a look at this text on Area.com right here.

Webb arrives at L2!

The James Webb Area Telescope has arrived!

Webb has accomplished the mid-course correction burn (MCC2), an insertion burn that has guided it into its orbit round its ultimate residence in house, NASA introduced in a weblog publish as we speak (opens in new tab) (Jan. 24). 

Starting at 2 p.m. EST (1900 GMT), the house telescope fired its onboard thrusters for about 5 minutes (297 seconds) to finish this burn maneuver. The burn added nearly 2.6 miles per hour (1.6 meters per second) (a strolling tempo, NASA famous), to Webb’s velocity because the craft sailed right into a halo orbit round its vacation spot: L2, the second sun-Earth Lagrange level. 

L2, which lies nearly one million miles (1.5 million kilometers) from Earth reverse the solar, is a gravitationally steady level that Webb will orbit as it really works. Webb will spend the subsequent few weeks in its new residence cooling down earlier than taking about 5 months to organize its science devices to get to work.

“Webb, welcome residence!” NASA Administrator Invoice Nelson stated within the weblog publish. “Congratulations to the group for all of their arduous work guaranteeing Webb’s secure arrival at L2 as we speak. We’re one step nearer to uncovering the mysteries of the universe. And I can’t wait to see Webb’s first new views of the universe this summer season!”

Be part of NASA reside at 3 p.m. EST (2000 GMT) right here (opens in new tab) to be taught extra concerning the profitable arrival and what’s subsequent for Webb.

Insertion burn beginning!

The James Webb Area Telescope has begun its mid-course correction burn (MCC2), the insertion burn that can ease it into its halo orbit round its final residence in house: L2, the second Lagrange level. 

Lagrange factors are gravitationally steady factors in house, and L2 is positioned virtually one million miles (1.5 million kilometers) away from Earth on the alternative facet of the solar. This vantage level will assist Webb to remain chilly, which is essential for its science devices to work as deliberate.

Be part of NASA specialists LIVE at 3 p.m. EST (2000 GMT) to listen to about Webb’s progress and new residence at L2. 

About to start insertion burn!

Webb is about to fireside its thrusters to get to its final vacation spot!

In the present day (Jan. 24), the James Webb Area Telescope makes its arrival at its new residence in house, in orbit round L2, the second sun-Earth Lagrange level which lies on the alternative facet of Earth because the solar. 

To get into orbit round L2, Webb is starting what is named the mid-course correction burn (MCC2), an insertion burn that can ease the house telescope into its working orbit, a halo orbit, round L2. 

Webb will start MCC2 at 2 p.m. EST (1900 GMT) and, at 3 p.m. EST (2000 GMT), NASA officers might be updating the general public and answering questions reside proper right here.

In the present day is the day!

Almost a month after its gorgeous Christmas Day launch, NASA’s James Webb Area Telescope is because of arrive in orbit round L2 as we speak (Jan. 24).

At about 2 p.m. EST (1900 GMT), the mission group will direct the observatory to fireside its thrusters for about 5 minutes, finishing the lengthy journey of almost 1 million miles (1.5 million kilometers).

NASA won’t be broadcasting the burn reside, however scientists might be speaking about what’s subsequent for the observatory throughout a 3 p.m. EST (2000 GMT) broadcast and the company will maintain a media teleconference at 4 p.m. EST (2100 GMT) as properly. You may watch each occasions reside on Area.com.

Though arrival in orbit marks the final main milestone within the observatory’s deployment, the telescope is not fairly able to do science. The mission group nonetheless wants to exactly align the 18 golden mirror segments into one huge reflector and to calibrate the observatory’s devices.

NASA has stated to anticipate the James Webb Area Telescope to start science operations this summer season.

James Webb Area Telescope 1 day from L2

NASA’s James Webb Area Telescope is someday away from arriving at its ultimate vacation spot for its formidable science mission: a gravitationally steady level in house referred to as the Earth-sun Lagrange level 2, or L2. 

As of 8 a.m. EST (1300 GMT), the Webb Area Telescope was about 17,310 miles (27,854 kilometers) away from the L2 location, and about 893,897 miles (1,438,484 km) from the Earth. The L2 location is almost 1 million miles from Earth on the alternative facet of the Earth from the solar.

Webb is anticipated to enter orbit across the L2 level on Monday, Jan. 24. To take action, it should fireplace its thrusters at 2 p.m. EST (1900 GMT) on Monday for a couple of minutes to push it the ultimate distance into L2 orbit. 

NASA is anticipated to host a reside webcast of the L2 arrival insertion burn and observe it up with a NASA Science Reside program to debate the occasion at 3 p.m. EST (2000 GMT). At 4 p.m. EST (2100 GMT), NASA will maintain a press teleconference on the occasion to debate the subsequent steps for the house telescope. 

L2 on Monday

NASA’s James Webb Area Telescope is only a few days away from its arrival at its residence in house: L2, or the second Lagrange level, gravitationally steady factors in house. L2 is positioned on the facet of Earth reverse the solar.

Whereas NASA had beforehand anticipated Webb to reach at L2 on Jan. 23, 29 days after its Dec. 25 launch,  Webb is now anticipated to start its mid-course correction burn (MCCB), or insertion burn, into an orbit round L2 on Monday (Jan. 24).

You’ll watch a reside broadcast with scientists and engineers working the house telescope on Monday at 3 p.m. EST (2000 GMT).

Subsequent cease, L2.

Webb’s subsequent main milestone might be its arrival in orbit round a degree in house referred to as the Earth-sun Lagrange level 2, or L2. This video explains the place L2 is and why the observatory will camp out in orbit round it.

Mirror deployment is full

The 18 main mirror segments of the James Webb Area Telescope are totally deployed, based on a tweet from NASA Administrator Invoice Nelson. The observatory has one deployment milestone excellent, a ultimate course correction burn. Learn extra>

Quick ahead to Webb’s first look

NASA is constant to regulate the person mirror segments of the James Webb Area Telescope because the observatory continues its trek to orbit almost 1 million miles (1.5 million kilometers) away from Earth. Within the meantime, we’re looking forward to the massive second: What’s going to the observatory have a look at first? Learn extra>

Time to regulate these mirrors

NASA has confirmed that the group behind the James Webb Area Telescope have begun the method of aligning the observatory’s mirrors, which have been stowed for launch. The preliminary changes will take about 10 days, based on a mission timeline, though NASA expects to spend about three months to fully align the panels right into a working telescope. Learn extra>

Onto Webb’s mirror segments

Based on a NASA timeline (opens in new tab), the group behind the James Webb Area Telescope will doubtless start shifting the 18 particular person segments of the observatory’s hexagonal golden mirror out of their launch configurations on Wednesday (Jan. 12).

This course of is sluggish and finicky, and is anticipated to take about 10 days. Every of the 18 main mirror segments is held in place by seven completely different actuators that may modify their place and curvature tremendous exactly. However even as soon as this course of is full, the observatory group might want to spend about three extra months getting the honeycomb of mirrors to work collectively to provide one sharp picture.

Webb has been in house for 18 days now and is greater than 82% of the way in which to its ultimate vacation spot. The observatory will orbit a degree referred to as the Earth-sun Lagrange level 2, or L2, which is positioned almost 1 million miles (1.5 million kilometers) away from Earth on the facet reverse the solar. The observatory has lined greater than 740,000 miles (1.2 million km) and has 160,000 miles (250,000 km) extra to go.

You may observe the telescope’s (opens in new tab) location, temperature and deployment through NASA.

Webb retains trekking out to house

NASA has once more delayed starting work on aligning the person mirror segments of the James Webb Area Telescope, based on an company timeline (opens in new tab), with that mission now scheduled to start Wednesday (Jan. 12). The method will take a number of days and strikes the 18 particular person hexagons of the golden main mirror out of their launch configuration.

Within the meantime, Webb continues its lengthy journey out to Earth-sun Lagrange level 2, or L2. The observatory is at the moment 80% of the way in which to L2 and has traveled almost 725,000 miles (1.16 million kilometers) away from Earth. To observe Webb’s journey, seek the advice of NASA’s monitoring web site (opens in new tab) for the observatory, which additionally tracks the deployment course of.

Webb work continues

Changes to the 18 golden mirror segments of Webb’s main mirror are attributable to start tomorrow, Jan. 11, based on the deployment timeline supplied by NASA (opens in new tab). That course of is anticipated to take a number of days and marks the observatory’s transition from deployment into commissioning.

In the meantime, the observatory continues its trek out to its station orbiting Earth-sun Lagrange level 2, or L2, which is positioned about 1 million miles (1.5 million kilometers) away from Earth on the facet reverse the solar. As of as we speak (Jan. 10), the telescope is greater than 78% of the way in which to orbit, having traveled greater than 700,000 miles (1.1 million km) from Earth, based on NASA’s observatory tracker (opens in new tab).

Mirror alignment to start for Webb Area Telescope

With the James Webb Area Telescope now totally deployed, work is anticipated to start as we speak to begin aligning the 18 particular person mirrors that make up the observatory’s main mirror. It’s not a quick course of.

Full story: The James Webb Area Telescope is totally deployed. So what’s subsequent?

“This operation is a multi-day multi-step exercise to activate and transfer every of its 18 main mirror segments (that are adjustable) out of their launch configuration, NASA wrote in a deployment information. “The first mirror segments and secondary mirror are moved by six actuators which are hooked up to the again of every mirror piece. The first mirror segments even have an extra actuator at its middle that adjusts its curvature. The telescope’s tertiary mirror stays stationary.”

The first mirror is Webb’s fundamental gentle assortment floor. It’s going to replicate gentle to the tertiary mirror positioned on booms in entrance of the telescope, which then bounces the sunshine into Webb’s devices. 

Every of the 18 segments of the first mirror is plated in a shiny, however extremely skinny, layer of gold. If left in launch place, they might act as particular person telescopes with photographs that might be fuzzy and unclear. As soon as aligned, the mirror segments will act as one big mirror 21.3 toes (6.5 meters) throughout, the biggest ever in house. 

NASA has estimated that it may take as much as 120 days after launch for Webb’s mirror alignment work to be full. The primary images from Webb will not be anticipated till about 5 months after launch as soon as commissioning ends. — Tariq Malik

This is a have a look at how Webb’s focusing works: 

James Webb Area Telescope deployment success

An elated mission group for NASA’s James Webb Area Telescope confirmed that the house observatory is in nice form after a deployment part that was 100% profitable.

“It’s a totally deployed telescope able to carry out improbable science to increase our data,” stated John Durning, Webb Deputy Undertaking Supervisor of NASA Goddard.

Up subsequent for the Webb group is a five-month commissioning part to calibrate the telescope’s optics and modify its mirrors. Webb is at the moment making its technique to its ultimate observing website almost 1 million miles (1.6 km) from Earth and is because of arrive round Jan. 23. 

To enter orbit round its Lagrange 2 level, Webb should carry out a brief maneuver, however it’s anticipated to go properly. 

You may learn our wrap story on as we speak’s Webb mirror deployment success right here. — Tariq Malik

NASA Webb Area Telescope press convention underway

NASA’s post-deployment press convention is underway now and you may watch it reside within the video window on the high of this web page. 

NASA is holding two panels, one on the deployment’s success and the opposite on what’s subsequent for the Webb Area Telescope. 

This is a rundown of the audio system for the briefing:

Panel on Webb Area Telescope deployment success

Invoice Ochs, Webb Undertaking Supervisor, NASA Goddard

Mike Menzel, Mission Methods Engineer, NASA Goddard 

Scott Willoughby, Vice President and Program Supervisor, Webb, Northrop Grumman

Vince Heeg, Deputy Program Supervisor, Northrop Grumman

Panel on what’s subsequent for James Webb Area Telescope

John Durning, Webb Deputy Undertaking Supervisor, NASA Goddard

Lee Feinberg, Webb Optical Telescope Ingredient Supervisor, NASA Goddard

Jane Rigby, Webb Operations Undertaking Scientist, NASA Goddard 

Heidi Hammel, Vice President for Science, Area Telescope Science Institute

Success! Webb Area Telescope main mirror latched

James Webb Area Telescope mission engineers confirmed that the observatory’s starboard main mirror wing efficiently latched into place at 1:17 p.m. EST (1817 GMT), marking an finish to a two-week course of that was NASA’s most-complicated deployment in house telescope historical past. 

Cheers erupted at Webb’s mission operations middle on the Area Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore, Maryland, because the mission group now prepares for an arduous three-month course of to align and calibrate the $10 billion house telescope. 

“In the present day, NASA achieved one other engineering milestone a long time within the making!” NASA Administrator Invoice Nelson stated on Twitter. “Whereas the journey just isn’t full, I be part of the Webb group in respiratory just a little simpler and imagining the longer term breakthroughs sure to encourage the world.”

NASA will maintain a press convention at 2:30 p.m. EST (1930 GMT) for as we speak’s profitable deployment. You’ll watch that reside right here at begin time.

Latching underway for Webb telescope mirror

James Webb Area Telescope engineers have handed the midway mark in latching the observatory’s starboard mirror wing in place. 

The latching course of started shortly after 10:30 a.m. EST (1530 GMT) and was anticipated to take round two hours to finish.

Webb Area Telescope mirror totally deployed!

It is official, the first mirror of NASA’s James Webb Area Telescope is totally deployed, the ultimate step of its unprecedented two-week deployment part that started with a Dec. 25 launch. 

“I simply really feel this sort of glow in my chest proper now simply seeing that mirror deployed all collectively,” NASA scientist Michelle Thaller stated in a reside webcast because the Webb mission group applauded and shared high-fives. 

Webb house telescope starboard mirror in movement

The Webb Area Telescope’s mission operations group has commanded Webb to deploy its starboard mirror wing. 

It ought to take 4 to five minutes for the mirror section to swing into place, after which it should take a couple of hours to latch into place. 

Launch locks launched from Webb mirror

The 4 launch locks securing the Webb Area Telescope’s starboard mirror wing in place have efficiently been unlocked, liberating the mirror section for its ultimate transfer.

A sequence of motors efficiently labored to unlock the launch locks. They have been the ultimate important films of 178 mechanism firings that have been important to go easily for Webb’s deployment over the past two weeks, NASA says. These actions have been non-redundant, if one failed it could have doomed the Webb Area Telescope. 

“178 out of 178, congratulations,” Webb’s Mission Operations Supervisor simply stated.  

The mirror section is anticipated to start slowly shifting quickly, with main motion to start in about 20 minutes. As soon as in place, it should take about two hours to latch it securely in place. — Tariq Malik

Closing mirror unfolding begins for Webb Area Telescope

NASA has begun unfolding the ultimate mirror wing for the James Webb Area Telescope. You may watch it within the reside video feed on the high of this web page. 

Telescope controllers are working to ship instructions that can take away the launch locks on Webb’s starboard mirror wing. In the present day’s mirror unfolding will swing three ultimate mirror segments into place to finish the 18-segment main mirror deployment, the ultimate step for Webb’s two-week deployment part. 

This is a more in-depth have a look at the first mirror of James Webb Area Telescope

Webb Area Telescope ultimate deployment underway

NASA’s James Webb Area Telescope mirror deployment webcast is underway. You may watch it above right here hosted by NASA scientist Michelle Thaller. 

NASA to webcast Webb ultimate mirror deployment

Replace for 9 a.m. EST: NASA’s reside webcast seems delayed. As soon as it begins, it should seem on this web page.

It is a main day for the James Webb Area Telescope. Two weeks after its Dec. 25 launch, The Webb house telescope is scheduled to unfold its ultimate mirror section as we speak, Jan. 8, as we speak.  

NASA will webcast the deployment of the Webb’s starboard main mirror section reside, with a livestream starting no sooner than 9 a.m. EST (1400 GMT). You’ll watch that reside on this web page as soon as it begins. 

In the present day’s mirror deployment will use motors to swing Webb’s starboard main mirror wing, which consists of three mirror segments, into its ultimate place. It’s going to then be latched into place. 

“Upon completion, Webb can have concluded its main deployment sequence,” NASA officers wrote in an replace on Friday (opens in new tab) after Webb’s port mirror wing was deployed.

After as we speak’s mirror deployment, NASA will maintain a press convention to start no sooner than 1:30 p.m. EST ( 1730 GMT). — Tariq Malik

Reside webcast delayed to Saturday

The Digital Telescope Undertaking’s reside webcast of the James Webb Area Telescope in deep house has been postponed till Saturday (Jan. 8), as a result of clouds above the observatory Italy didn’t clear up in time to see it as we speak. The webcast is scheduled to start at 4:30 p.m. EST (2130 GMT). 

The climate forecast for Saturday’s statement appears to be like extra promising, Gianluca Masi of the Digital Telescope Undertaking advised Area.com in an e-mail. 

Digital Telescope Undertaking JWST webcast delayed

Astrophysicist Gianluca Masi of the Digital Telescope Undertaking close to Rome, Italy will broadcast reside views of the distant James Webb Area Telescope as we speak, starting at 5:30 p.m. EST (2230 GMT). The webcast was initially scheduled to start an hour earlier, however clouds are at the moment blocking the view. 

You may tune in reside within the window above, courtesy of the Digital Telescope Undertaking.

Learn extra: Watch the James Webb Area Telescope soar by way of house on this livestream as we speak!

1st mirror wing deployed

The James Webb Area Telescope unfolded the primary of two wing segments on its hexagonal gold-coated main mirror on Friday (Jan. 7). NASA obtained affirmation of the profitable deployment at roughly 2:11 p.m. EST (1911 GMT), company officers wrote in a weblog publish (opens in new tab).  

Full story: James Webb Area Telescope has unfolded 1st wing of huge golden mirror

Webb’s fundamental mirror deployment has begun!

The James Webb Area Telescope has begun unfolding the left facet panel of its golden main mirror, based on a NASA assertion (opens in new tab) printed simply earlier than 9:30 a.m. EST (1430 GMT). The panel holds three of the hexagonal mirror segments the observatory makes use of to catch gentle.

Through the deployment, group members will unlatch the wing from its saved place, then motors will unfold the panel in a course of anticipated to take about 5 minutes. Then, the group will spend about two hours latching the panel into place, based on the assertion.

The group is anticipated to repeat the method tomorrow (Jan. 8) on the proper facet of the observatory, which can mark the final main unfolding from the spacecraft’s launch place. That occasion might be livestreamed starting round 9 a.m. EST (1400 GMT), NASA has said.

Webb fundamental mirror deployment begins as we speak

The James Webb Area Telescope will start its ultimate main unfolding occasions as we speak with the primary of two main mirror deployments. 

In the present day, Webb is anticipated to unfold and safe its port main mirror wing, which incorporates three of the house telescope’s 18 hexagon-shaped mirror segments. 

“Webb’s ultimate sequence of main deployments is deliberate to begin tomorrow, Jan. 7, with the rotation into place of the primary of two main mirror wings,” NASA wrote in an replace on Jan. 6 (opens in new tab). “The second main mirror wing – Webb’s ultimate main spacecraft deployment – is deliberate for Saturday, Jan. 8.”

Webb’s two main mirror wings, port and starboard, every have three mirror segments. They have been folded again behind the central mirror face throughout launch as a way to match contained in the payload fairing of Webb’s Ariane 5 rocket. 

In different Webb information, the European Area Company launched a surprising HD video of the James Webb Area Telescope captured simply after it separated from its Ariane 5 rocket. You may watch that video of Webb right here. It’s the final view of the house telescope we’ll ever see.

Why is it the final view? The James Webb Area Telescope would not have onboard cameras. 

Webb Mirror deployment webcast replace

That is an replace to notice that NASA’s webcast of the James Webb Area Telescope’s mirror deployment will truly happen on Saturday, Jan. 8, at a time nonetheless to be decided based mostly on NASA’s newest reside broadcast schedule (opens in new tab). 

Webb’s flight controllers plan to deploy the the telescope’s aft radiator as quickly as as we speak earlier than continuing with the port and starboard mirror deployments on Friday and Saturday. Sorry for any confusion, house followers! — Tariq Malik

James Webb Area Telescope to deploy port mirror wing

The James Webb Area Telescope is anticipated to start unfolding its main mirror as we speak, Jan. 6, beginning with the port facet. 

In what could possibly be a two-day course of, Webb will unfold first the port facet after which the starboard facet wings of its 18-segment main mirror, which is made up of shiny gold hexagons. There are three mirror segments on every wing. 

Every of the wings have been folded for launch as a way to match contained in the payload fairing of Webb’s Ariane 5 rocket. 

Whereas the mirror unfolding course of is scheduled to take two days, it may happen sooner. Webb’s mission operations group has been operating forward of schedule for a number of key steps. 

NASA will webcast as we speak’s Webb mirror deployment on NASA TV. A time has not been launched for the webcast’s begin. As soon as we now have extra data, we’ll share that right here. — Tariq Malik

James Webb Area Telescope secondary mirror latched securely

The secondary mirror of NASA’s James Webb Area Telescope is now securely latched into place, marking a profitable finish to as we speak’s deployment step. NASA’s webcast has ended. You may learn our full story by senior author Tereza Pultarova right here.

Deploying the mirror is the newest important step for the Webb house telescope. The secondary mirror will focus gentle from the principle mirror into the observatory’s optics. 

Over the subsequent few days, Webb will deploy its aft radiator, adopted by folding out the 2 facet segments, or wings, of its fundamental mirror. These steps will mark the ultimate main deployment levels of the telescope. 

Engineers will nonetheless have to maneuver every of the 18 main mirror segments out of their launch configuration in order that they are often calibrated for observations. As soon as that’s full (slated for 15 days after launch), the subsequent main step might be Webb’s arrival into orbit round its L2 level.

Webb house telescope secondary mirror deployed

NASA studies that the secondary mirror of the James Webb Area Telescope has efficiently unfolded and is now in place. 

Mission operations controllers are actually working to drive latches into place to safe the mirror in its deployed configuration. This is a glance of how the operation went:

NASA Webb mirror deployment webcast begins

NASA’s reside webcast of the James Webb Area Telescope’s secondary mirror deployment has begun! You may watch reside within the window above.

NASA to Webbcast secondary tescope mirror deployment

Replace: NASA’s webcast will now start at 10:20 a.m. EST (1520 GMT). 

NASA’s James Webb Area Telescope will deploy its secondary mirror as we speak and you’ll observe the milestone reside in a webcast as we speak starting at 10:20 a.m. EST (1520 GMT). 

Throughout this step, Webb will unfold a sequence of booms that maintain the secondary mirror out in entrance of the observatory’s fundamental multi-segmented mirror. You’ll watch the reside webcast on this web page as soon as it begins, and you may watch it immediately from NASA right here (opens in new tab).

“Webb’s secondary mirror is on the finish of the Secondary Mirror Assist Construction (SMSS),” NASA wrote in a deployment description. “As it’s deployed, its lengthy booms will swing the secondary mirror out in entrance of the first mirror. The secondary mirror performs an vital position in reflecting the sunshine from the first mirror to the place the devices sit, behind the first mirror.”

On Monday, Webb accomplished its large sunshield deployment. This is a have a look at what’s forward this week for the James Webb Area Telescope this week.

Hearken to NASA’s sunshield briefing

In the present day’s reside broadcast of the Webb telescope sunshield and deployments media teleconference didn’t air reside on NASA TV because the company stated it could — however now you can hearken to a recording of the briefing on YouTube (opens in new tab). 

NASA briefing coming quickly…

NASA officers will maintain a media teleconference at 12:45 p.m EST (1745 GMT) as we speak to debate the not too long ago accomplished deployment of the James Webb Area Telescope’s sunshield and go over subsequent steps for the observatory. 

You may hearken to the teleconference reside within the window above, courtesy of NASA TV, or immediately through nasa.gov/reside (opens in new tab).

James Webb Area Telescope sunshield tensioning full!

NASA has simply confirmed that the fifth and ultimate layer of the James Webb Area Telescope’s warmth protect has been efficiently tensioned, marking the top of the sunshield deployment work that started final week.

“That is an historic day,” NASA scientist Michelle Thaller stated throughout a reside webcast. “The primary main part of the deployment of the sunshield has been compete.”

Our wrap story on the occasion might be posted shortly.

NASA webcast for Webb sunshield tensioning

Replace: NASA’s Webb sunshield tensioning webcast is underneath manner. Watch reside above for the important milestone for the James Webb Area Telescope.

It is Day 2 of sunshield tensioning for NASA’s James Webb Area Telescope and the house company will webcast reside views from Webb’s mission operations middle in Baltimore, Maryland as we speak beginning at 9:30 a.m. EST (1430 GMT). You’ll watch that reside right here within the window above at begin time.

NASA didn’t state how lengthy the webcast will final, however the company does have one other occasion scheduled for 11:25 a.m. EST from the Worldwide Area Station, so it doubtless will not final past that. 

Webb’s sunshield tightening is the ultimate step within the intricate unfurling of the house telescope’s tennis court-sized protect to guard it from daylight and maintain it cool sufficient for science. It entails utilizing a sequence of motors to place and tighten the 5 ultra-thin layers of Webb’s reflective sunshield. 

The method started on Monday, Jan. 3, with Layer 1 tightening and was anticipated to finish as quickly as Wednesday, Jan. 5. Nevertheless, NASA is manner forward of schedule. As of late Monday, three of the 5 sunshield layers have been efficiently tightened, the company said in an update on Twitter (opens in new tab).

Webb house telescope in good well being, tensioning starting

NASA’s James Webb Area Telescope is in good well being and can start tensioning its large sunshield as we speak, its mission group stated as we speak. 

In a media teleconference, NASA officers stated Webb will start tightening the strain on the first layer of the five-layer sunshield on Webb as we speak after two days of relaxation and energy system optimization. 

Two points occurred over the New Yr’s Day vacation weekend.

First, Webb’s photo voltaic arrays weren’t producing as a lot energy as they might attributable to their manufacturing unit settings. At no level was the house telescope in want of energy, however NASA rebalanced the arrays in order that they’ll now work at their peak effectivity. 

Second, the motors used to stress Webb’s sunshield weren’t staying cool sufficient as flight controllers most well-liked. They commanded Webb to alter its orientation in house in a manner that can maintain its motors cooler throughout the deployment part. 

With each of these fixes in, Webb seems to be doing properly in its deployment. 

The tensioning course of for Webb’s sunshield ought to take at the least three days, NASA officers stated.

NASA to carry press convention on Webb deployment

NASA will maintain a media teleconference at 11:30 a.m. EST (1630 GMT) as we speak, Jan. 3, and you may hearken to it reside right here, courtesy of NASA TV. You too can watch immediately from NASA right here (opens in new tab).

This teleconference will replace the general public on the James Webb Area Telescope’s deployment after its sunshield was deployed on Dec. 31. 

NASA paused deployment actions on Saturday, Jan. 1, to offer its group a relaxation. The group then spent Sunday learning Webb’s energy methods earlier than continuing with the ultimate steps for sunshield deployment.

James Webb Area Telescope stress may start as we speak

After a day of delay, NASA James Webb Area Telescope flight controllers are anticipated to start the sunshield tightening course of on the brand new house observatory as we speak, Jan. 3. 

The method, which may take at the least two days, was initially slated to start yesterday, however NASA opted to face down and as a substitute research Webb’s energy methods to verify they have been working correctly after per week in house. 

The sunshield tightening course of entails activating a sequence of motors on Webb that can separate, after which tighten, the 5 layers of the house telescope’s gossamer sunshield, which is blocks out daylight from the infrared observatory’s delicate devices so it could possibly higher research the universe.  — Tariq Malik

NASA delays Webb sunshield tensioning

NASA flight controllers have delayed as we speak’s deliberate tensioning of the James Webb Area Telescope’s sunshield as a way to work on the observatory’s energy methods. 

“It will guarantee Webb is in prime situation to start the subsequent main deployment step in its unfolding course of,” NASA officers wrote in an replace as we speak (opens in new tab) (Jan. 2). 

Learn our full story by Senior Author Meghan Bartels.

The sunshield tensioning course of will now start no sooner than Monday, Jan. 3, and is anticipated to take at the least two days. Flight controllers made the choice earlier as we speak as a way to optimize the ability methods on the Webb house telescope.

“Particularly, the group is analyzing how the ability subsystem is working now that a number of of the main deployments have been accomplished,” NASA wrote within the replace. “Concurrently, the deployments group is working to verify motors which are key to the tensioning course of are on the optimum temperatures previous to starting that operation.”

Webb’s step-by-step deployment course of is designed in such a manner that it may be stopped and began alongside the way in which as required, based on NASA officers. The flight management group needs to make use of some additional time to higher perceive how Webb is behaving in house, and the way it’s differing from simulations based mostly on pc testing on the bottom.

“Nothing we are able to be taught from simulations on the bottom is nearly as good as analyzing the observatory when it’s up and operating,” stated Invoice Ochs, NASA’s Webb mission supervisor on the Goddard Area Flight Middle in Greenbelt, Maryland, stated within the replace. “Now’s the time to take the chance to be taught all the pieces we are able to about its baseline operations. Then we are going to take the subsequent steps.” — Tariq Malik

Webb ratchets up the strain as we speak

It is time to elevate the strain on NASA’s James Webb Area Telescope. 

After taking New Yr’s Time without work on Saturday to relaxation up after a protracted Friday night time unfolding Webb’s huge sunshield, the mission group goals to start tensioning the protect’s 5 layers as we speak to lock them in place. 

It ought to take at the least two full days to lock Webb’s sunshield in place, which marks the ultimate step in its weeklong deployment course of. The method entails Webb separating the 5 layers of its sunshield, which unfolded in a single group after which tensioning them so they’re tightly secured for the house telescope’s lifetime. 

NASA expects to finish the sunshield tightening step on Monday, Jan. 3, and can then maintain a press teleconference to replace the general public on the house telescope’s standing. – Tariq Malik

Taking a relaxation day

The group overseeing the deployment of the James Webb Area Telescope are taking as we speak (Jan. 1) off, based on a NASA assertion. Yesterday’s process, deploying the 2 booms that help the width of the observatory’s huge sunshield, ran later into the day than personnel had hoped. And the subsequent step is much more daunting: a two-day means of separating the 5 delicate layers of the huge sunshield.

That work will start tomorrow (Jan. 2), the assertion famous, and is anticipated to take two days to finish. Learn extra>

James Webb unfurls its sunshield!

The James Webb Area Telescope efficiently unfurled its huge sunshield on Friday (Dec. 31), notching an enormous milestone in its lengthy and complicated deployment marketing campaign. Learn our full story about it right here.

The sunshield, which can assist maintain Webb’s optics and devices cool sufficient to detect faint warmth alerts from the early universe, unfolded through two “mid-booms,” which have been prolonged over two roughly three-hour stretches on Friday.

The increase extension actions have been delayed barely whereas Webb group members checked to verify the sunshield’s protecting cowl had totally rolled up as wanted. However all the pieces labored out simply wonderful.

“In the present day is an instance of why we proceed to say that we don’t suppose our deployment schedule may change, however that we anticipate it to alter,” Keith Parrish, Webb observatory supervisor at NASA’s Goddard Area Flight Middle in Greenbelt, Maryland, stated in a weblog publish replace Friday night time (opens in new tab).

“The group did what we had rehearsed for this sort of state of affairs — cease, assess and transfer ahead methodically with a plan,” Parrish stated. “We nonetheless have a protracted technique to go together with this entire deployment course of.”

Subsequent up is tensioning of the sunshield’s 5 layers, which could possibly be full as early as Sunday (Jan. 2). After that, the Webb group will shift their focus to reflect deployment.

Sunshield midway unfurled!

The James Webb Area Telescope has efficiently deployed its sunshield port mid-boom, unfurling half of the massive membranous construction.

“The deployment of the 5 telescoping segments of the mid-boom started round 1:30pm ET and reached full deployment at 4:49 pm,” mission group members said via Twitter today (opens in new tab) (Dec. 31). “Webb’s deployment steps are all human-controlled, so the schedule can change. The group plans to deploy the starboard mid-boom tonight.”

There was certainly a schedule change as we speak: The mid-boom deployments have been speculated to occur earlier, however Webb’s handlers took additional time to verify the sunshield’s protecting cowl had totally rolled up as deliberate, mission group members explained in another tweet (opens in new tab).  

Sunshield deployment is among the riskiest, most advanced actions the $10 billion observatory will carry out throughout its time in house. So maintain your fingers crossed that all the pieces goes properly tonight and over the weekend, when the group plans to convey the deployed protect’s layers as much as the right stress.

James Webb Area Telescope to deploy sunshield booms

It is a massive day for the James Webb Area Telescope. 

In the present day is the day the massive house observatory will deploy the 2 mid-booms on it port and starboard facet that can lengthen its sunshield out to its full width. The port increase might be prolonged first, adopted by the starboard increase. Motors will drive each occasions. 

Every mid-boom will deploy with its 5 sunshield membrane layers hooked up. If it goes easily, Webb will spend the subsequent two days tightening the strain of the sunshield so it isn’t free. 

Questioning why it takes so many steps to deploy Webb’s sunshield? Our Senior Author Mike Wall has the total story right here as we speak.

Webb deploys flab, removes sunshield covers

NASA’s James Webb Area Telescope efficiently accomplished its two important deployments for as we speak, the house company introduced. 

In back-to-back updates, NASA officers confirmed that the Webb house telescope efficiently deployed its aft momentum flap and retracted the protecting membrane covers on its gossamer sunshield, a significant step within the weeklong work to unfurl the protect. 

Learn the total story from Senior Author Chelsea Gohd right here.

The membrane covers protected Webb’s sunshield, which might be as massive as a tennis court docket when deployed, throughout launch. You may see an animation of how the duvet retraction went in house above. 

This is a close-up graphic under of the aft momentum flap, which is designed to regular Webb towards the push of photo voltaic wind towards its large sunshield. — Tariq Malik

2 deployment steps for Webb telescope as we speak

It has been 5 days since NASA’s James Webb Area Telescope launched into house on the observatory has two steps deliberate for as we speak to proceed its ultra-complicated deployment. 

In the present day, Webb is anticipated to unfold a aft momentum flap, a three-panel construction on the backside rear of the telescope designed to offset a number of the strain from the photo voltaic wind on Webb’s huge sunshield. The flap ought to assist Webb preserve gasoline throughout its mission life because it limits the additional push on the telescope from the photo voltaic wind.

Later, Webb is anticipated to retract the sunshield membrane covers which were defending its skinny sunshield layers since launch. The step would require a sequence of launch gadgets to be activated that can then retract and roll up the membrane covers (two per sunshield pallet, fore and aft) to uncover the sunshield itself. 

When deployed, the five-layer sunshield might be concerning the measurement of a tennis court docket. However there are 50 distinct steps to get it into place.

You may discover precisely how Webb is unfolding at NASA’s Deployment Explorer web site right here (opens in new tab). — Tariq Malik

JWST extends its Deployable Tower Meeting

The James Webb Area Telescope has efficiently accomplished the deployment of the tower meeting that separates the 2 fundamental halves of the spacecraft. 

The observatory’s Deployable Tower Meeting took just a little over 6.5 hours to increase, creating about 4 toes (1.2 meters) of house between the mirror meeting and the spacecraft’s bus, which homes its electronics and propulsion methods, NASA officers stated in an announcement (opens in new tab).

“This creates sufficient distance to permit the delicate mirrors and devices to chill right down to the mandatory temperatures to detect infrared gentle,” NASA stated within the assertion. “This hole may also present room for the sunshield membranes to totally unfold.”

Learn the total story right here