Ball Aerospace, the teammate of Northrop Grumman Corporation, has integrated the auxiliary mirrors into the aft-optics subsystem (AOS). The auxiliary mirrors concentrate the light derived from primary mirrors into the science instruments of NASA's James Webb Space Telescope. It is all set for the next level of testing.
Ball Aerospace Technician Robin Russell inspects the Webb telescope Aft Optics Subsystem during mirror integration activities(Photo courtesy Ball Aerospace).
The design and construction of the telescope for NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md., has been supported by Northrop Grumman, which serves as its chief contractor. Ball Aerospace and Technologies is the major subcontractor for the design and integration of Webb optical system.
The integration of optics encompasses the fine steering mirror, including the telescope's AOS and the tertiary mirror. The central precision optical bench encloses the mirrors. The AOS is protected by a shroud that prevents stray light, while low temperature is maintained by the two large radiator panels.
Light from the secondary mirror is focused into the science instruments by the subsystem. A series of tests will be performed with the AOS to ensure its ability to operate in cold operating temperature in space as well as its stability and resistance to the rigorous vibration environment during rocket launch. Testing is scheduled for May 2012.
Following the launch of the Hubble Space Telescope, the James Webb Space Telescope is an advanced space observatory. It will be the powerful, next-generation space telescope. With this innovative Webb telescope, the planets and the distant objects in the universe can be observed as it delivers images of the primary galaxies. The European Space Agency, NASA and the Canadian Space Agency, together have constructed the Webb Telescope.