Feb 4 2016
From The Space Library
Release 16-013 NASA's James Webb Space Telescope Primary Mirror Fully Assembled
The 18th and final primary mirror segment is installed on what will be the biggest and most powerful space telescope ever launched. The final mirror installation Wednesday at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland marks an important milestone in the assembly of the agency’s James Webb Space Telescope.
“Scientists and engineers have been working tirelessly to install these incredible, nearly perfect mirrors that will focus light from previously hidden realms of planetary atmospheres, star forming regions and the very beginnings of the Universe,” said John Grunsfeld, associate administrator for NASA’s Science Mission Directorate in Washington. “With the mirrors finally complete, we are one step closer to the audacious observations that will unravel the mysteries of the Universe.”
Using a robotic arm reminiscent of a claw machine, the team meticulously installed all of Webb's primary mirror segments onto the telescope structure. Each of the hexagonal-shaped mirror segments measures just over 4.2 feet (1.3 meters) across -- about the size of a coffee table -- and weighs approximately 88 pounds (40 kilograms). Once in space and fully deployed, the 18 primary mirror segments will work together as one large 21.3-foot diameter (6.5-meter) mirror.
"Completing the assembly of the primary mirror is a very significant milestone and the culmination of over a decade of design, manufacturing, testing and now assembly of the primary mirror system," said Lee Feinberg, optical telescope element manager at Goddard. "There is a huge team across the country who contributed to this achievement."
While the primary mirror installation may be finished on the tennis court-sized infrared observatory, there still is much work to be done.
"Now that the mirror is complete, we look forward to installing the other optics and conducting tests on all the components to make sure the telescope can withstand a rocket launch," said Bill Ochs, James Webb Space Telescope project manager. "This is a great way to start 2016!"
The mirrors were built by Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp., in Boulder, Colorado. Ball is the principal subcontractor to Northrop Grumman for the optical technology and optical system design. The installation of the mirrors onto the telescope structure is performed by Harris Corporation, a subcontractor to Northrop Grumman. Harris Corporation leads integration and testing for the telescope.
“The Harris team will be installing the aft optics assembly and the secondary mirror in order to finish the actual telescope,” said Gary Matthews, director of Universe Exploration at Harris Corporation. “The heart of the telescope, the Integrated Science Instrument Module, will then be integrated into the telescope. After acoustic, vibration, and other tests at Goddard, we will ship the system down to Johnson Space Center in Houston for an intensive cryogenic optical test to ensure everything is working properly.”
The James Webb Space Telescope is the scientific successor to NASA's Hubble Space Telescope. It will be the most powerful space telescope ever built. Webb will study many phases in the history of our universe, including the formation of solar systems capable of supporting life on planets similar to Earth, as well as the evolution of our own solar system. It’s targeted to launch from French Guiana aboard an Ariane 5 rocket in 2018. Webb is an international project led by NASA with its partners, ESA (European Space Agency) and the Canadian Space Agency.
Release J16-003 Veteran Astronaut Kevin Ford Departs NASA
After two spaceflights and more than 15 years with NASA, Kevin Ford left the space agency on Jan. 29. He spent more than 33 years in government service.
“Kevin has served the office in a number of ways over the years, and we will certainly miss him,” said Chris Cassidy, chief of the Astronaut Office at NASA’s Johnson Space Center. “I had the pleasure of serving as his backup for his space station mission, and consequently spent many weeks in Russia and Kazakhstan with him. Personally, I will miss his sense of humor and special insight into technical issues. He is a great American and true friend. We all wish him well and have no doubt that he will bring a great deal of valuable experience to all of his future endeavors.”
NASA selected Ford as an astronaut in 2000. After completing initial training, Ford served in various technical positions, including the director of operations in Star City, Russia, for one year and Capcom for six space shuttle missions. He served as space shuttle pilot for the STS-128 mission in 2009, helping to deliver more than 15,000 pounds of science and storage racks to the International Space Station. He then returned to the station aboard Soyuz TMA-06M in 2012, serving as flight engineer for Expedition 33, and commander on Expedition 34. Ford spent a total of 157 days and 13 hours in space.
Ford was born in Portland, Indiana, and considers Montpelier, Indiana, his hometown. He holds degrees in aerospace engineering, international relations and astronautical engineering from the University of Notre Dame, Troy State University, the University of Florida and the Air Force Institute of Technology. A retired U.S. Air Force colonel, he has accumulated more than 5,000 flying hours, and holds FAA instructor ratings for airplanes and gliders, a commercial rating for helicopters and a private rating for hot air balloons.
Ames Hosts “State of NASA” Events, Tours Feb. 9
NASA centers across the country are opening their doors Tuesday, Feb. 9 to media and selected social media for “State of NASA” events. NASA’s Ames Research Center in Moffett Field, California, will be offering several media opportunities throughout the day. These events follow President Obama’s Fiscal Year 2017 budget proposal delivery to the U.S. Congress.
At 10:30 a.m. PST, Ames will host a viewing of a televised speech from NASA Administrator Charles Bolden on NASA Television. Bolden will speak from the agency’s Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia, about the agency’s scientific and technological achievements and cutting-edge future work.
At 11 a.m., reporters and social media followers participating in Ames’ NASA Social event will be invited for two tours of Ames facilities.
- Supercomputing: Participants will see Ames’ hyperwall, a data visualization system in the NASA Advanced Supercomputing facility that allows scientists to see their data at an exceptionally large scale and resolution. Researchers will show how our planet is changing with a presentation of Earth science research.
- Robotics: Attendees will also visit an Ames robotics lab where they can view technology that is driving exploration and creating new opportunities for autonomous research on the International Space Station.
Beginning at 2 p.m., NASA Chief Financial Officer David Radzanowski will brief nationwide media on the agency’s 2017 budget proposal. To participate remotely in this briefing, media must contact Karen Northon in the NASA Headquarters newsroom at 202-358-1540 or karen.northon@nasa.gov no later than 1 p.m. Tuesday. Audio and visuals from the media teleconference will be streamed live on NASA's website and on Ustream at: http://www.nasa.gov/newsaudio
Ames will be hosting a local connection to the budget briefing, followed by an in-person briefing from Ames Center Director Eugene Tu and Ames’ Chief Financial Officer Paul Agnew.
