The largest space telescope in history received the last three mirrors

The James Webb Space Telescope project is one of the most ambitious, and, accordingly, one of the most expensive in the history of space science. So, the total cost of the telescope, which will be put into operation in 2018, is 8.8 billion US dollars.

The new telescope is far superior in capabilities to its predecessors, including Hubble. So, the other day, this telescope received the last three mirrors.

It is worth noting that the telescope has not one solid mirror, but a system of 18 hexagonal mirror elements. This system is ready, and is in a sterile storage facility in Goddard.

The total diameter of the system after assembly will be 6.5 meters, and everything will be controlled by a computer, directing each of the mirrors to the desired position to set a clear focus for the device. The weight of each mirror is 20 kilograms, and the whole system works in the infrared range.

In addition to mirrors, an infrared camera arrived in Goddard, which was charged with the task of observing the most distant stars and galaxies in the visible part of the Universe. Observations will be conducted 1.5 million kilometers from our planet. Scientists have come up with an interesting protection from the infrared radiation of our luminary - a special awning that will open upon arrival of the device at its destination.

The cost and technical requirements for the project are so high that three space agencies create the system at once - NASA (USA), ESA (Europe), CSA (Canada). Here is a video with some project details:



Via frenchtribune