It's been 2 weeks since NASA's most recent space telescope was launched. In that time, controllers here on the "Blue" planet have been overseeing its deployment of onboard equipment. This package of high tech modern rocketry is, at its minimum, the most advanced telescope ever launched. A multinational consortium of space agencies collaborated on its design, construction, and launch. The effort took over 10 years to build. The results will not really be known for some time as the equipment must be tested and contact must be established with the onboard programs and instruments. This telescope will replace the famous Hubble Telescope, launched over 25 years ago, and repaired after failures of some of its systems.
The Webb will have greatly increased capabilities and its core feature will be its ability to gather images in the ultraviolet/infrared light spectrum, something Hubble could not do. While Hubble could gather amazing images, it could not delve into the realm of deep space. The Webb will look back in time to the "Big Bang" era or simply the beginning of the universe perhaps 13 billion years ago. Very exciting to contemplate.
The onboard solar array has unfolded and this system will power the entire satellite. While the core instrument is much smaller, the solar panel is quite large. Additionally, a heat shield was necessary to protect the communication systems to ensure their longevity. Clearly, our earth scientists have created a technological marvel, and gathered the expertise of scientists from around the world. It's an example of cooperation that should serve as a model for international organizations. Will it, in fact, do so? Hmmm.
History doesn't offer much confidence in this area. Soon, we'll start to "see" some results.
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