May 05
Upcoming NASA Telescope Passes Critical Milestone
Posted in: NASA, science, space, Space Tech, Today's Chili
NASA scientists announced that the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), an infrared telescope that can look further back in the universe’s history than ever before, has officially met all science and engineering requirements ahead of its upcoming mission, Space.com reports.
The $5 billion JWST is a sort-of-successor to the Hubble Space Telescope, but its focus on the infrared spectrum means we’ll likely see less of the gorgeous astrophotography we’ve become used to from Hubble, at least from this spacecraft.
That said, the JWST can observe older light, see deeper into the universe, and provide important clues about the Big Bang and the evolution of our own solar system, the report said–not to mention the formation of star systems capable of supporting extraterrestrial life.
The JWST is scheduled to enter hardware production in 2012 ahead of its planned launch in 2014.
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