James Webb Space Telescope
The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is a next-generation telescope that is set to revolutionize our understanding of the universe. It is the successor to the iconic Hubble Space Telescope and is set to launch in 2021.
The JWST is a collaboration between NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA), and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA). It is set to be the most powerful telescope ever built, with a primary mirror that is over 100 times more powerful than that of the Hubble telescope.
One of the main goals of the JWST is to study the early universe and the formation of galaxies. It will be able to observe some of the very first galaxies that formed after the Big Bang, and will help scientists understand how these galaxies evolved into the ones we see today.
In addition to its powerful observing capabilities, the JWST also has a number of other unique features. For example, it will be able to observe in the infrared spectrum, which is not possible with ground-based telescopes. This will allow scientists to see through clouds of dust and gas that would otherwise obscure their view.
The JWST will also be located in a unique orbit, known as the L2 Lagrange point, which is a location in space where the gravitational pull of the Earth and the Sun cancel out. This will allow the telescope to remain in a stable position, away from the disruptive effects of the Earth's atmosphere and radiation.
The JWST has been in development for over 20 years, and has undergone a number of delays and setbacks. However, despite these challenges, the telescope is finally set to launch in 2021, and is expected to have a lifespan of at least 10 years.
The JWST is a testament to human ingenuity and the power of international collaboration. It is set to become one of the most important scientific instruments of the 21st century, and will likely lead to many new discoveries and breakthroughs in our understanding of the universe.
The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is made up of several key components, including:
1) The primary mirror
This is the heart of the telescope and is made up of 18 hexagonal mirror segments, each measuring 1.32 meters (4.3 feet) across. The primary mirror is 6.5 meters (21.3 feet) in diameter, which is over 100 times more powerful than the primary mirror of the Hubble Space Telescope.
2) The sunshield
The sunshield is a large, five-layer membrane that will protect the telescope from the heat and radiation of the Sun. It is the size of a tennis court and will keep the temperature of the telescope at a cool -270 degrees Celsius (-454 degrees Fahrenheit)
3) The science instruments
The JWST has four main science instruments, including the Near Infrared Camera, the Near Infrared Spectrograph, the Mid-Infrared Instrument, and the Fine Guidance Sensor/Near InfraRed Imager and Slitless Spectrograph. These instruments will allow the telescope to observe in the infrared spectrum and will provide scientists with a wealth of data on the early universe and the formation of galaxies.
4) The spacecraft bus
This is the structure that houses all the components of the telescope, including the primary mirror, sunshield, and science instruments. It also provides power, communications, and propulsion for the telescope.
5) The deployment system
The JWST has a unique deployment system that will unfold the sunshield, primary mirror and science instruments once the telescope is in orbit. This system is critical for the telescope to function properly once it is in space.
The JWST is a highly complex and sophisticated instrument that has taken over 20 years to develop. It is a collaboration between NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA), and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA). The telescope is expected to be launched in 2021 and will be located at the L2 Lagrange point, a location in space where the gravitational pull of the Earth and the Sun cancel out, allowing the telescope to remain in a stable position.
Copyright image and video are taken from NASA site.
