OT: The Sunshields and the Mirrors on the James Webb Space Telescope Have Been Successfully Deployed

[RutgersRaRa]

The secondary mirror latched into place two days ago, and the two wings of the primary mirror successfully moved into place between yesterday and today. The scope is still on its way to L2, which will take another two-and-a-half weeks to arrive. The next critical part of the mission is for the burners to fire properly to get it into its proper location/orbit in L2. Once it's there it will take roughly five months for the JWST to cool down to the extremely low temperatures for optimal performance (you'd think it would go exothermic rapidly in such a cold environment, but heat diffusion in a vacuum apparently doesn't work that way). During the five-month cool-down period, the calibrations of the mirror and instruments will take place so when the temps are reached the data can begin to be processed.

NASA also announced that due to an extremely accurate launch, there were very few corrective fuel burns required to get it to L2. This means there will be additional fuel for the JWST to use for ongoing operations, which will lengthen the useful lifetime of the scope to greater than ten years. The original concern was that it would last only five years if the fuel had to be consumed to get it to L2. This is probably a prime example of under-promise, over-deliver. I can live with that, and am psyched for the images/data once they are processed and released.

LINK TO WHERE IT IS, ITS SPEED, TEMP., ETC.

 

[Purple-Ed]

This is great news.
I think the Webb Space Telescope might outperform the Celestron Nexstar
Evolution 9.25 inch telescope I received from UPS yesterday.

 

[SouthJerseyRU]

 

[CERU00]

The secondary mirror latched into place two days ago, and the two wings of the primary mirror successfully moved into place between yesterday and today. The scope is still on its way to L2, which will take another two-and-a-half weeks to arrive. The next critical part of the mission is for the burners to fire properly to get it into its proper location/orbit in L2. Once it's there it will take roughly five months for the JWST to cool down to the extremely low temperatures for optimal performance (you'd think it would go exothermic rapidly in such a cold environment, but heat diffusion in a vacuum apparently doesn't work that way). During the five-month cool-down period, the calibrations of the mirror and instruments will take place so when the temps are reached the data can begin to be processed.

NASA also announced that due to an extremely accurate launch, there were very few corrective fuel burns required to get it to L2. This means there will be additional fuel for the JWST to use for ongoing operations, which will lengthen the useful lifetime of the scope to greater than ten years. The original concern was that it would last only five years if the fuel had to be consumed to get it to L2. This is probably a prime example of under-promise, over-deliver. I can live with that, and am psyched for the images/data once they are processed and released.

Over deliver? It cost what $10 Billion? It would take a lot more than that imho.

 

[GoodOl'Rutgers]

When will they put a lens alignment target in the Alpha Centauri system?

 

[Zimm80]

I can’t wait for what the JWST has in store for us , new discoveries from the farthest corners of space, I’m sure there will be discoveries that won’t be shared which will be unfortunate but anything new and exciting is a gift.

 

[rurichdog]

Over deliver? It cost what $10 Billion? It would take a lot more than that imho.

Hey, it was only 3 years and 3 months behind schedule.

 

[BellyFullOfWhiteDogCrap]

Let's not forget that Webb will not be in orbit around the Earth. L2 means in orbit around the sun. Unlike Hubble, we can't go up to fix/repair. Everything had to be perfect. The delay was certainly frustrating for space enthusiasts, but it'll be well worth the wait.

 

[argofax]

This is great news.
I think the Webb Space Telescope might outperform the Celestron Nexstar
Evolution 9.25 inch telescope I received from UPS yesterday.

That's still a pretty nice scope.

 

[76Scarlet]

Sounds exciting..........looking forward to reports on it’s first findings

 

[DJ Spanky]

When to they install the phasers on it?

 

[rureadyforsomefootball]

Let's not forget that Webb will not be in orbit around the Earth. L2 means in orbit around the sun. Unlike Hubble, we can't go up to fix/repair. Everything had to be perfect. The delay was certainly frustrating for space enthusiasts, but it'll be well worth the wait.

I don't understand why they can't go out to fix it? Wouldn't that be a nice test since they plan on taking astronauts on a trip to Mars which is anywhere from 225-400 million miles away?

 

[BellyFullOfWhiteDogCrap]

I don't understand why they can't go out to fix it? Wouldn't that be a nice test since they plan on taking astronauts on a trip to Mars which is anywhere from 225-400 million miles away?

There is a docking port on Webb, however, there are no plans for any human visits. I suppose the team did this as a "just in case" measure. I have to imagine a mission to send astronauts to Webb would take years to plan and present a whole host of obstacles. Let's hope it never has to happen.

 

[RUBOB72]

I’m all for space exploration and future trips into space but perhaps as a civilization we should work on those things which will impact all of us today , tomorrow and… If we don’t address the immediate issues here on Mother Earth we won’t have to worry about space travel or trips to Mars. There are currently many more things which can deter any future exploration and benefits to mankind. If it sounds negative so be it . The reasons we are years behind some others in what really impacts the world and it’s future unfortunately lies in an area our nation let fall behind for years. Need to do some work on hypersonic travel and defense . If you can combine those two elements then great . At this point in time there are many doubts about our resolve and ability to reap a benefit in the next 10-15-20 years.

 

[Virginiarufan]

It's probably cheaper to send up a new telescope than plan a manned mission to repair a telescope a million miles away.

 

[RUBOB72]

It's probably cheaper to send up a new telescope than plan a manned mission to repair a telescope a million miles away.

Yes that’s going to help solve the most pressing issues on planet earth. Heck just explore under the seas… the aliens who have all the answers are living there as we speak.

 

[BellyFullOfWhiteDogCrap]

I’m all for space exploration and future trips into space but perhaps as a civilization we should work on those things which will impact all of us today , tomorrow and… If we don’t address the immediate issues here on Mother Earth we won’t have to worry about space travel or trips to Mars. There are currently many more things which can deter any future exploration and benefits to mankind. If it sounds negative so be it . The reasons we are years behind some others in what really impacts the world and it’s future unfortunately lies in an area our nation let fall behind for years. Need to do some work on hypersonic travel and defense . If you can combine those two elements then great . At this point in time there are many doubts about our resolve and ability to reap a benefit in the next 10-15-20 years.

We can chew gum and walk at the same time.
Less than 1 cent of every tax dollar goes to NASA.
Space exploration gives humanity hope. Something positive to dream about. An inspiration to the next generation of great engineers.

 

[GoodOl'Rutgers]

We can chew gum and walk at the same time.
Less than 1 cent of every tax dollar goes to NASA.
Space exploration gives humanity hope. Something positive to dream about. An inspiration to the next generation of great engineers.

So if you pay $15,000 (about what the median was in 2018) that means $150 goes to NASA. Isn't that a bit much? I suppose when you consider, especially recently, the amount of debt we go into and what we go into debt for... it is a pittance as income tax pays for very little of what we spend. That is to say that expressing what we spend on NASA a percentage of the tax dollar doesn't reflect what we spend overall.

 

[cyrock3]

Less than 50% of 1 cent goes to NASA is more accurate. So it’s $75 for $15000. Frankly, we could be spending more as the ancillary benefits of space travel in terms of new technologies built are worth far more than what we spend on it.

Like mining rare earth minerals off asteroids…

 

[BellyFullOfWhiteDogCrap]

Less than 50% of 1 cent goes to NASA is more accurate. So it’s $75 for $15000. Frankly, we could be spending more as the ancillary benefits of space travel in terms of new technologies built are worth far more than what we spend on it.

Like mining rare earth minerals off asteroids…

Agree with everything, except the asteroid mining. First, most rare earth metals aren't really rare. Extraction is the problem. 2nd, The costs of asteroid mining would be astronomical compared to figuring out how to get them out of Earth.

 

[Virginiarufan]

Yes that’s going to help solve the most pressing issues on planet earth. Heck just explore under the seas… the aliens who have all the answers are living there as we speak.

Well then, you ought to go down there and let them enlighten you.

 

[RUBOB72]

Well then, you ought to go down there and let them enlighten you.

I have been there already that is why I believe giddiness over some satellite panels opening is not an earth shattering thing. You have little understanding except what you deem important. As a world we have much more important issues. Nice to have space travel but even landing on Mars in 2022-23-24 means nothing . Worry about the fact that several questionable opponents have just passed us by if the reports are true. Why some were worrying about going to explore Mars others said , “ hey let’s push the buttons and see if we can do both.” Get to the planets faster and also be a super power larger than the US. Maybe even an axis of power. I was in class May 5, 1961 age 11 and was able to watch the launch live in class. Every classroom of our had a tv for classes in math , language Spanish and French . It was exciting then and perhaps now for some. Most people in the USA don’t care … they would rather feel secure and not be worrying about NK, Iran, Russia and China having Hypersonic missile capabilities especially when we still are just breaching the field. I love space exploration and the next time I go to the colony beneath Catalina Island I’ll invite you along. You’ll enjoy the the journey.

 

[RUBOB72]

We can chew gum and walk at the same time.
Less than 1 cent of every tax dollar goes to NASA.
Space exploration gives humanity hope. Something positive to dream about. An inspiration to the next generation of great engineers.

Did you mean from the USA or from another country. At the rate we are keeping our schools on zoom will set back the USA even further. I believe we rank now at 36 th in math /science ; 18 th in reading and that does not point towards a next great generation of Engineers . You may want to re evaluate . My point is we could be making much better use of where we need to be in order to compete. And as for your comment about “ we can do more things than just chew gum at once.” Most of your so called next great generation of Engineers are being destroyed by the UFT and their complete lack of scruples. Being on zoom 6 hours a day doesn’t lead to post secondary success.

 

[RUfromSoCal?]

There is a docking port on Webb, however, there are no plans for any human visits. I suppose the team did this as a "just in case" measure. I have to imagine a mission to send astronauts to Webb would take years to plan and present a whole host of obstacles. Let's hope it never has to happen.

First , yeah!!! It's been amazing to watch - and see how well things are going so far.........

but, is there really a docking port/ring? I know it was put into the plans early-on, but it is unclear to me if that element was maintained through development or dropped at some point.

Both "Everyday Astronaut" and Scott Manley both mentioned, they didn't see an actual "docking mechanism" in any final shots of the craft...

Now, I'm not saying some sort of service is completely out of the question - but I agree with you, given the expected lifespan of the mission (even best-case scenario) - any service is highly highly unlikely.... and clearly not even on any drawing board at this point...



It is interesting to imagine some future museum (maybe even on the moon) where HST and JWST are exhibits after being recovered .... a hundred years from now....

 

[robcac26]

I have been there already that is why I believe giddiness over some satellite panels opening is not an earth shattering thing. You have little understanding except what you deem important. As a world we have much more important issues. Nice to have space travel but even landing on Mars in 2022-23-24 means nothing . Worry about the fact that several questionable opponents have just passed us by if the reports are true. Why some were worrying about going to explore Mars others said , “ hey let’s push the buttons and see if we can do both.” Get to the planets faster and also be a super power larger than the US. Maybe even an axis of power. I was in class May 5, 1961 age 11 and was able to watch the launch live in class. Every classroom of our had a tv for classes in math , language Spanish and French . It was exciting then and perhaps now for some. Most people in the USA don’t care … they would rather feel secure and not be worrying about NK, Iran, Russia and China having Hypersonic missile capabilities especially when we still are just breaching the field. I love space exploration and the next time I go to the colony beneath Catalina Island I’ll invite you along. You’ll enjoy the the journey.

If we can't defend our country withour current military budget, which dwarfs those four countries combined, it's because the money is being misspent, not because we can't afford to because we spend too much on NASA. NASA is half a percent of the federal budget, and that number has been decreasing for the past 30 years. Even if they completely scrapped NASA and allocated their entire budget to the military, it wouldn't even result in a 3% increase.

It's also worth mentioning that the Webb Telescope is a collaboration between space agencies around the world, not just NASA.

 

[RUBOB72]

You evidently missed or purposely avoided my position on exploration and space. I love that we have in the past led the world in this field and we saw what occurred when several administrations past cut the budget and the NASA program.There are many more pressing things to work on right here on Planet Earth. Those 4 countries all have the capabilities to cause major damage. To feel our co - partnerships with these global entities mean anything better take a deep breath. This is not some Hollywood movie depicting a world of mutual cooperation and existence. I would love to see that but thus far it isn’t even close.

 

[BellyFullOfWhiteDogCrap]

You evidently missed or purposely avoided my position on exploration and space. I love that we have in the past led the world in this field and we saw what occurred when several administrations past cut the budget and the NASA program.There are many more pressing things to work on right here on Planet Earth. Those 4 countries all have the capabilities to cause major damage. To feel our co - partnerships with these global entities mean anything better take a deep breath. This is not some Hollywood movie depicting a world of mutual cooperation and existence. I would love to see that but thus far it isn’t even close.

Earth cannot sustain life indefinitely. Whether it's self inflicted destruction, comet/asteroid impact, or the eventual demise of our star, something will get us.

The great filter (part of the Fermi Paradox) is a list of things that a species must do to evolve to the point that they colonize another planet or moon. The galaxy may be filled with 1 planet civilizations. Civilizations that could not pass through the great filter. We could always kick the can down the road to future generations, but why not take some small measures now to at least attempt to ensure the preservation of consciousness.

 

[robcac26]

You evidently missed or purposely avoided my position on exploration and space. I love that we have in the past led the world in this field and we saw what occurred when several administrations past cut the budget and the NASA program.There are many more pressing things to work on right here on Planet Earth. Those 4 countries all have the capabilities to cause major damage. To feel our co - partnerships with these global entities mean anything better take a deep breath. This is not some Hollywood movie depicting a world of mutual cooperation and existence. I would love to see that but thus far it isn’t even close.

If part of your point was that one of the more pressing issues here on Earth is defending our country from North Korea, Russia, China, and Iran, my response is that the military budget is so vast that even if we funnel all NASA funding to the military, it isn't enough to make a difference. As for my last sentence about the Webb Telescope being a partnership of space agencies around the world, I didn't mean for that to sound like we are working with our enemies and everyone is getting along, I just meant that it isn't just NASA spending time and resources on the JWST.

 

[RUfromSoCal?]

Earth cannot sustain life indefinitely. Whether it's self inflicted destruction, comet/asteroid impact, or the eventual demise of our star, something will get us.

The great filter (part of the Fermi Paradox) is a list of things that a species must do to evolve to the point that they colonize another planet or moon. The galaxy may be filled with 1 planet civilizations. Civilizations that could not pass through the great filter. We could always kick the can down the road to future generations, but why not take some small measures now to at least attempt to ensure the preservation of consciousness.

Humans just can't grasp... the inter-dimensional Multiverse is full of other civilizations.. they just don't think we are cool enough to hang-out with..

 

[NickRU714]

Did you mean from the USA or from another country. At the rate we are keeping our schools on zoom will set back the USA even further. I believe we rank now at 36 th in math /science ; 18 th in reading and that does not point towards a next great generation of Engineers . You may want to re evaluate . My point is we could be making much better use of where we need to be in order to compete. And as for your comment about “ we can do more things than just chew gum at once.” Most of your so called next great generation of Engineers are being destroyed by the UFT and their complete lack of scruples. Being on zoom 6 hours a day doesn’t lead to post secondary success.

This comes off very much as "Why is NJ spending my tax dollars on Rutgers football when it could go towards X, Y and Z??"

 

[RUScrew85]

This is great news.
I think the Webb Space Telescope might outperform the Celestron Nexstar
Evolution 9.25 inch telescope I received from UPS yesterday.

Maybe not in the long run. Remember how much maintenance Hubble needed. No maint. is scheduled for the Webb. I'll bet Elon could send a Starship out there if needed.

Great news so far.

 

[RUScrew85]

This is great news.
I think the Webb Space Telescope might outperform the Celestron Nexstar
Evolution 9.25 inch telescope I received from UPS yesterday.

How are you set for eyepieces?

 

[RUScrew85]

I don't understand why they can't go out to fix it? Wouldn't that be a nice test since they plan on taking astronauts on a trip to Mars which is anywhere from 225-400 million miles away?

Agree - like I posted earlier. SpaceX Starship could make the trip once it's up a nd running.

THAT would be awesome to see. Out and back to a Lagrange point.

 

[RUScrew85]

Hey, it was only 3 years and 3 months behind schedule.

That's all - I thought it was closer to a decade.

 

[RUBOB72]

Earth cannot sustain life indefinitely. Whether it's self inflicted destruction, comet/asteroid impact, or the eventual demise of our star, something will get us.

The great filter (part of the Fermi Paradox) is a list of things that a species must do to evolve to the point that they colonize another planet or moon. The galaxy may be filled with 1 planet civilizations. Civilizations that could not pass through the great filter. We could always kick the can down the road to future generations, but why not take some small measures now to at least attempt to ensure the preservation of consciousness.

Don’t fret my friend you , I and everyone on here will be long gone and perhaps sooner than we realize. It is foretold.

 

[Purple-Ed]

How are you set for eyepieces?

Well stocked.

 

[RutgersRaRa]

Agree - like I posted earlier. SpaceX Starship could make the trip once it's up a nd running.

THAT would be awesome to see. Out and back to a Lagrange point.

 

[RUScrew85]

Me too. I'd do Mars one way too.

 

[RUScrew85]

Well stocked.

Cool. What kind of mount are you putting that 9.25 on?

 

[DanceAppreciationTA]

Agree - like I posted earlier. SpaceX Starship could make the trip once it's up a nd running.

THAT would be awesome to see. Out and back to a Lagrange point.

I always chuckle when I hear folks who haven't worked in the industry make bold statements like this ... Why doesn't Webb have cameras? Why don't we just fly to Webb and fix it? These are the same folks who then go NASA hasn't done crap since the 60s

Lots to unravel with a trip to L2 ... human psychology, ECLSS systems that are closed loop, radiation protection, mission redundancy plans that have never been thought of, let alone tested ... just the tip of the iceberg there ... what are they going to do when they get there? Was the hardware designed to be attended by crew? Are there handholds on the telescope? What's our MMOD model predict? Are we going untethered?

I'm a fan of SpaceX and exploration in general, and perfectly fine to dream ... heck I think Elon can be the one to make bold statements such as getting to Mars with his Red Dragon by 2022 ... He understands what it takes, the systems, and likely makes these statements to motivate himself and his workers