|
. | . |
|
by Staff Writers Palo Alto CA (SPX) Jan 13, 2015
The Near Infrared Camera (NIRCam) instrument Lockheed Martin helped develop for NASA's next deep space telescope surpassed expectations during tests in late 2014. It will see farther into the cosmos and further back in time than any other instrument. Scientists are preparing NIRCam for new trials beginning this year. Produced under contract with the University of Arizona, NIRCam is the primary science camera on the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), and it also functions as the sensor that is used to align the observatory's primary mirror. NIRCam performed significantly better than requirements during the first integrated, cryogenic testing program at Goddard Space Flight Center, Maryland. In April NASA installed the instrument alongside others in the Integrated Science Instrument Module (ISIM), which finished cryogenic and vacuum testing late last year. The ISIM is preparing for vibration testing, scheduled to occur in early 2015. Unlike Hubble's single monolithic primary mirror, JWST's primary mirror is made up of 18 individual, adjustable segments that will be aligned in space. NIRCam's performance is essential to the telescope's success. "We designed NIRCam to stringent optical and environmental requirements so it can deliver images from the early origins of the universe," said Alison Nordt, NIRCam program manager at Lockheed Martin. "JWST is an infrared observatory, requiring all of the optical components to operate at a cryogenic temperature under 40 Kelvin, which is less than 40 degrees above absolute zero, the temperature at which all atomic motion ceases. That's a significant challenge when you're building low-distortion optical mounts, aligning optics at room temperature and designing mechanisms to move precisely." NIRCam is one of many precision optical payloads Lockheed Martin designs, develops and produces for scientific and commercial customers, NASA and other government organizations. Lockheed Martin has a deep understanding of optical and infrared missions and their technologies, building on decades of experience to deliver high performing and reliable optical systems.
Related Links Lockheed Martin Space Telescope News and Technology at Skynightly.com
|
|
The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2014 - Space Media Network. All websites are published in Australia and are solely subject to Australian law and governed by Fair Use principals for news reporting and research purposes. AFP, UPI and IANS news wire stories are copyright Agence France-Presse, United Press International and Indo-Asia News Service. ESA news reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. Advertising does not imply endorsement, agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by Space Media Network on any Web page published or hosted by Space Media Network. Privacy Statement All images and articles appearing on Space Media Network have been edited or digitally altered in some way. Any requests to remove copyright material will be acted upon in a timely and appropriate manner. Any attempt to extort money from Space Media Network will be ignored and reported to Australian Law Enforcement Agencies as a potential case of financial fraud involving the use of a telephonic carriage device or postal service. |