Whats happened since the telescope launched?
The launch went as smoothly as a rocket launch can go.
This will allow Webb tooperate for much longerthan the missions initial 10-year goal.
The first task during Webbs month-long journey to its final location in orbit was to unfold the telescope.
40% off TNW Conference!
The NIRCam on Webb was the first instrument to go online and helped align the 18 mirror segments.
Image: NASA Goddard Space Center/Wikimedia Commons
2.
What did you test first?
NIRCam is designed to study thefaint infrared light produced by the oldest stars or galaxiesin the universe.
But before it could do that, NIRCam had to help align the 18 individual segments of Webbs mirror.
The NIRCam team was ecstatic when the first light image arrived.
We were in business!
Webbs Fine Guidance Sensor also went into operation at this time.
This sensor helps keep the telescope pointing steadily at a target much like image stabilization in consumer digital cameras.
What sensors came alive next?
NIRSpec is designed to measure thestrength of different wavelengths of lightcoming from a target.
This information can reveal the composition and temperature of distant stars and galaxies.
NIRSpec does this by looking at its target object through a slit that keeps other light out.
NIRSpec has multiple slits that allow it tolook at 100 objects at once.
Future steps will measure exactly where the slits are pointing and check thatmultiple targets can be observed simultaneously.
Image: NASA/JPL-Caltech (left), NASA/ESA/CSA/STScI (right)/Flickr
4.
What was the last instrument to turn on?
The final instrument to boot up on Webb was the Mid-Infrared Instrument, or MIRI.
Whats next for Webb?
As of June 15, 2022, all of Webbs instruments are on and have taken their first images.
On July 12, NASA plans torelease a suite of teaser observationsthat illustrate Webbs capabilities.
After July 12, the James Webb Space Telescope will start workingfull-timeon its science mission.
