The primary mirror for the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) will consist of 18 separate mirror segments. The optics for the primary is now finally coming together with the mounting of the first mirror segment . Assembly of the full primary will occur over the next year and the curious can watch it come together minute-by-minute on the JWST Webbcams. Those wanting to see faster progress can break out their Benny Hill music[*] and watch JWST Time-Lapse movies.
[*] The tune is actually Yakety Sax.
Related Stories
James Webb Space Telescope reaches launch pad for Christmas liftoff
The James Webb Space Telescope is due to launch on Saturday (Dec. 25) during a 32-minute window that opens at 7:20 a.m. EST (1220 GMT). The massive observatory will blast off from Kourou, French Guiana, atop an Ariane 5 rocket operated by European launch provider Arianespace. You can watch launch coverage live at Space.com beginning at 6 a.m. EST (1100 GMT) courtesy of NASA or you can watch directly at the agency's website.
ESA launch kit (PDF).
Previously:
Space science: The telescope that ate astronomy
JWST Primary Mirror Starting To Come Together
New Space Telescope's Giant Gold Mirror Unveiled (April 29th)
Telescope That 'Ate Astronomy' Is on Track to Surpass Hubble
James Webb Space Telescope Vibration Testing Completed
Launch of James Webb Space Telescope Delayed to Spring 2019
Launch of James Webb Space Telescope Could be Further Delayed
JWST: Too Big to Fail?
GAO: James Webb Space Telescope Launch Date Likely Will be Delayed (Again)
Launch of James Webb Space Telescope Delayed to May 2020, Could Exceed Budget Cap
NASA Announces JWST Independent Review Board Members
Screws and Washers Have Fallen Off JWST Amid Testing and Independent Review
Launch of James Webb Space Telescope Delayed Again, This Time to March 2021, Cost at $9.66 Billion
NASA Administrator at House Hearing: WFIRST Could be Delayed to Help Pay for JWST
James Webb Passes Critical Mission Review for 2021 Launch, Final Testing Nearing Completion
NASA Ominously Chooses Halloween 2021 to Launch Long-Delayed Space Telescope
The James Webb Space Telescope, NASA's Next Great Observatory, Passes Final Ground Tests
The James Webb Telescope has a Launch Date
NASA's James Webb Space Telescope Passes Crucial Launch-Simulation Tests
James Webb Telescope: Preparations Resume for December 22 Launch
NASA's James Webb Space Telescope Fully Fueled for Launch
(Score: 2) by Covalent on Friday November 20 2015, @01:55PM
JWST will be able to analyze the atmospheres of exoplanets:
http://jwst.nasa.gov/origins.html [nasa.gov]
If we find an exoplanet with significant oxygen in its atmosphere, we will have a huge piece of evidence for extraterrestrial life. Couple this telescope with this one:
http://tess.gsfc.nasa.gov/ [nasa.gov]
which is also launching soon, and we'll have a real chance of finding life in the next 5 years or so.
It is truly an exciting time to be alive!
You can't rationally argue somebody out of a position they didn't rationally get into.
(Score: 3, Insightful) by FatPhil on Friday November 20 2015, @02:55PM
However, am I the only one who thinks it looks suspiciously like an Imperator-class Star Destroyer?
Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people; the smallest discuss themselves
(Score: 2) by Hartree on Friday November 20 2015, @04:56PM
Well, it sorta does, but with a Death Star-like multi-beam laser cannon mounted on it instead of the usual bridge.
They cancelled the TPF (Terrestrial Planet Finder) so maybe instead we'll have the TPD (Terrestrial Planet Destroyer).
Hey, it's a great way to get DOD to pay part of it.
(Score: 1, Insightful) by Anonymous Coward on Friday November 20 2015, @03:11PM
Ha! You really think JWST will have launched by then [space.com]??
We'll see . . .
(Score: 3, Interesting) by Covalent on Friday November 20 2015, @07:17PM
Doesn't seem that unlikely. It is scheduled for launch in 2018...given the usual delays it's probably in space by 2020 and getting data by 2021. I can wait 6 years, anyway.
You can't rationally argue somebody out of a position they didn't rationally get into.
(Score: 2) by davester666 on Friday November 20 2015, @08:18PM
I thought the units for this mirror was specified in radians.