{%recommended 918%}
Engineers and technicians working on NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope successfully completed the first important optical measurement of Webb’s fully assembled primary mirror – seen here in the massive clean room in Goddard Space Flight Centre – called a Centre of Curvature test.
Taking a “before” optical measurement of the telescope’s deployed mirror is crucial before the telescope goes into several stages of rigorous mechanical testing.
These tests will simulate the violent sound and vibration environments the telescope will experience inside its rocket on its way out into space.
This environment is one of the most stressful structurally and could alter the shape and alignment of Webb’s primary mirror, which could degrade or, in the worst case, ruin its performance.
Originally published by Cosmos as Mirror, mirror
Cosmos
Curated content from the editorial staff at Cosmos Magazine.
Read science facts, not fiction...
There’s never been a more important time to explain the facts, cherish evidence-based knowledge and to showcase the latest scientific, technological and engineering breakthroughs. Cosmos is published by The Royal Institution of Australia, a charity dedicated to connecting people with the world of science. Financial contributions, however big or small, help us provide access to trusted science information at a time when the world needs it most. Please support us by making a donation or purchasing a subscription today.