The James Webb telescope.

[Bobby]

The Insane Technology Behind The James Webb Telescope!

44,943 views
Jan 13, 2022

James Webb Space Telescope had to be free of any trouble ever during its time in space.
It can not afford to go wrong.

[Super Nova]

Todays Update.

Just weeks after the excitement of launch, the James Webb Space Telescope is already seeking focus in space.

Engineers are beginning alignment procedures for the recently unfolded 18-segment massive golden mirror. The work will eventually get these individual reflectors working as a single focusing device, NASA officials wrote in a blog update posted on Wednesday (Jan. 12).

The procedure began with engineers commanding 132 actuators that will move and position the primary mirror segments and the secondary mirror, just to make sure everything was responded as expected. The team also ensured the actuators are working to guide Webb's fine steering mirror, which will be used during the image stabilization process.

Fascinating tech.

[Bobby]

Hi SN,
I am watching it all with great interest.
This is the biggest thing to ever happen since Hubble.
It will have same resolution as Hubble but at longer wavelengths
and be far more sensitive with it's giant mirror.

[Super Nova]

Update from 14-Jan Friday.

At full speed, it takes about a day to move all the segments by just 1 millimeter — about the same speed at which grass grows!

While this may not be the most exciting period for Webb, taking our time is how we’ll get closer each day to our goal of mirror alignment.

[Bobby]

Update from 14-Jan Friday.

At full speed, it takes about a day to move all the segments by just 1 millimeter — about the same speed at which grass grows!

While this may not be the most exciting period for Webb, taking our time is how we’ll get closer each day to our goal of mirror alignment.

And there are 18 mirrors to align -
it seems almost impossible:

https://webb.nasa.gov/content/observato ... index.html

[sprintcyclist]

Thanks.
I had not heard of this

[sprintcyclist]

Update from 14-Jan Friday.

At full speed, it takes about a day to move all the segments by just 1 millimeter — about the same speed at which grass grows!

While this may not be the most exciting period for Webb, taking our time is how we’ll get closer each day to our goal of mirror alignment.

They have been making this for over 20 years !!!!!!!!!!!!

[Prime Minister for Canyons]

Update from 14-Jan Friday.

At full speed, it takes about a day to move all the segments by just 1 millimeter — about the same speed at which grass grows!

While this may not be the most exciting period for Webb, taking our time is how we’ll get closer each day to our goal of mirror alignment.

And there are 18 mirrors to align -
it seems almost impossible:

https://webb.nasa.gov/content/observato ... index.html

Why? Massive mirrors are hard to make, so the newer telescopes tend to use smaller ones put together. They've also invented sort of flexible mirrors which are then controlled to take into account atmospheric disturbances.

[Bobby]

Update from 14-Jan Friday.

At full speed, it takes about a day to move all the segments by just 1 millimeter — about the same speed at which grass grows!

While this may not be the most exciting period for Webb, taking our time is how we’ll get closer each day to our goal of mirror alignment.

And there are 18 mirrors to align -
it seems almost impossible:

https://webb.nasa.gov/content/observato ... index.html

Why? Massive mirrors are hard to make, so the newer telescopes tend to use smaller ones put together. They've also invented sort of flexible mirrors which are then controlled to take into account atmospheric disturbances.

Well it's obviously possible to use 18 mirrors in space but
it has never been proven yet.

[Prime Minister for Canyons]

Update from 14-Jan Friday.

At full speed, it takes about a day to move all the segments by just 1 millimeter — about the same speed at which grass grows!

While this may not be the most exciting period for Webb, taking our time is how we’ll get closer each day to our goal of mirror alignment.

And there are 18 mirrors to align -
it seems almost impossible:

https://webb.nasa.gov/content/observato ... index.html

Why? Massive mirrors are hard to make, so the newer telescopes tend to use smaller ones put together. They've also invented sort of flexible mirrors which are then controlled to take into account atmospheric disturbances.

Well it's obviously possible to use 18 mirrors in space but
it has never been proven yet.

Good thing NASA is full of people smarter than you or I in this field.