The two halves of NASA's Webb telescope communicate successfully

For the first time, the two halves of NASA's James Webb Space Telescope – the spacecraft and the telescope – were interconnected by temporary mass wiring that allowed them to "talk" as if they were flying.

Although this was an important step forward for the program, it was an optional "risk reduction" test, which allowed the two halves of the observatory to be electrically connected months earlier than planned. . If problems were found, the engineers would have had more time to resolve them and without causing further delays. As a bonus, it has also enabled the space and telescope test teams to start working together, as will be the case when the entire observatory will be assembled in one piece next year.

The James Webb telescope is an extremely complex and rewarding venture for NASA and its international partners. Scientists expect his findings to rewrite astronomy textbooks by providing groundbreaking observations of the cosmos, while engineers and technicians involved predict that his complex design will allow and influence architecture. future of spacecraft for years to come.

Each piece of Webb has undergone rigorous testing in various historic and state-of-the-art facilities throughout the United States. This ensures that the entire observatory is ready to survive the harshness inherent in launching a rocket in space and for years of continuous exposure to the extreme conditions encountered in the course of time. 39, a mission to nearly a million kilometers from the Earth.

In February, Webb took a significant and symbolic step on its way when all major flight components of the observatory were installed under one roof at Northrop Grumman, in Los Angeles, California. It is here that all the flight materials are assembled and tested until their launch at the Guiana Space Center near Kourou in French Guiana.

"What we were doing now was establishing electrical connections between the flight telescope and the flight spacecraft to understand all the nuances of the electrical interface. More precisely, during this test, the spacecraft controlled the movement of the mirrors on the telescope and the telescope responded with telemetry confirming it.

Even though we have tested each half with a simulator of the other half during their parallel build, there is nothing like connecting the real thing to reality. While the sunshade was being assembled to resume its environmental testing, we took advantage of the hour and conducted a flight-to-flight electrical test to reduce the risks of "lightning." later, "said Mike Menzel, Webb Webb Systems Engineer.

"The set of electrical and software tests will be performed next year when the observatory will finally be completely assembled for the flight."

The James Webb Space Telescope will be a giant step in our quest to understand the universe and where humans fit into the great cosmic expanse. Webb will examine all phases of cosmic history: from the first bright glow after the big bang to the formation of galaxies, stars and planets to the evolution of our own solar system.

Allowing unprecedented scientific observation and discovery around the world. Webb will expand and enrich the discoveries of the major Hubble, Spitzer and Chandra space observatories.

"This test also allowed us to ensure that the two teams, who worked separately over the years to build and test the two separate halves of Webb, were able to function as a single observatory test team.

"We are pleased that the first communication and risk-reduction tests have been successfully completed, and the procedure was designed and executed by an integrated group of members from the Goddard Space Flight Center, Northrop Grumman and Ball Aerospace". said Jeff Kirk, Test. Chief of Operations.

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Upgrading the GBT to refine the telescope vision

Green Bank WV (SPX) Sep 21, 2018

The National Science Foundation (NSF) has awarded more than $ 1.3 million to upgrade its Green Bank Telescope (GBT) in West Virginia with an innovative measurement system for precision laser telemetry.

This upgrade will allow the telescope to observe celestial objects, day or night, at radio wave lengths of only 3 millimeters. This new capability is essential for studying the chemistry and composition of galaxies, stars, and dense clouds in regions near the center of our galaxy.

The GBT … read more