How To Build A Space Telescope
JAMES WEBB SPACE TELESCOPE
Lachlan Milligan
Part 1: Research of an Optical Instrument or Device
The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), named after James Webb who played a pivotal role in the Apollo program, is renowned for replacing the Hubble space telescope due its uncontested visibility (HubbleSite, 2015), created by modern technology. The JWST cost $8.7 billion US (NASA JWST, 2016) and is scheduled to be launched in October 2018 and will offer unparalleled resolution from long-wavelength, visible light and near infra-red to mid infra-red regions (Ross, 2014). The JWST will have a unique and profound role in transforming the understanding of astrophysics and the origins of galaxies, stars, and planetary systems. This means the JWST …show more content…
In 1996 an 18 member committee recommended that NASA should develop a new space telescope to succeed the Hubble, with the aim of seeing through dust and gas clouds and therefore lengthen humanity's vision. The same year, three teams of scientists and engineers met and discussed the design of the proposed telescope, adjusting and refining some aspects and finally coming to the conclusion that in theory, the design has the potential to no longer be a theory but be built and put into use. In 1997 NASA agreed to fund new studies to even further refine the technical requirements and financial requirements needed to constructing the telescope. By 2002, teams were finalised and selected to build the telescope and a group of astronomers would provide construction guidance. In 2004 the telescope was officially named the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). The design of the JWST was continually altered and modified until 2004 where the construction stage begun. In 2005 it was determined that the launch site for the JWST would be in French Guiana, South America. Construction progressed and in 2011 all 18 mirrors, made out of beryllium was finished, which was a crucial milestone and in 2013 all sunshield the sunshield layers were also assembled. In 2016 the mirrors and other instruments are being integrated and put through the testing. The final components will be assembled and final testing will occur in 2017 prior to the launch of the JWST is October
Lachlan Milligan
Part 1: Research of an Optical Instrument or Device
The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), named after James Webb who played a pivotal role in the Apollo program, is renowned for replacing the Hubble space telescope due its uncontested visibility (HubbleSite, 2015), created by modern technology. The JWST cost $8.7 billion US (NASA JWST, 2016) and is scheduled to be launched in October 2018 and will offer unparalleled resolution from long-wavelength, visible light and near infra-red to mid infra-red regions (Ross, 2014). The JWST will have a unique and profound role in transforming the understanding of astrophysics and the origins of galaxies, stars, and planetary systems. This means the JWST …show more content…
In 1996 an 18 member committee recommended that NASA should develop a new space telescope to succeed the Hubble, with the aim of seeing through dust and gas clouds and therefore lengthen humanity's vision. The same year, three teams of scientists and engineers met and discussed the design of the proposed telescope, adjusting and refining some aspects and finally coming to the conclusion that in theory, the design has the potential to no longer be a theory but be built and put into use. In 1997 NASA agreed to fund new studies to even further refine the technical requirements and financial requirements needed to constructing the telescope. By 2002, teams were finalised and selected to build the telescope and a group of astronomers would provide construction guidance. In 2004 the telescope was officially named the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). The design of the JWST was continually altered and modified until 2004 where the construction stage begun. In 2005 it was determined that the launch site for the JWST would be in French Guiana, South America. Construction progressed and in 2011 all 18 mirrors, made out of beryllium was finished, which was a crucial milestone and in 2013 all sunshield the sunshield layers were also assembled. In 2016 the mirrors and other instruments are being integrated and put through the testing. The final components will be assembled and final testing will occur in 2017 prior to the launch of the JWST is October