The JWST science instrument payload: mission context and status

Matthew A. Greenhouse

doi:10.1117/12.2186352

4 September 2015 The JWST science instrument payload: mission context and status

Matthew A. Greenhouse

Proceedings Volume 9602, UV/Optical/IR Space Telescopes and Instruments: Innovative Technologies and Concepts VII; 960202 (2015) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2186352
Event: SPIE Optical Engineering + Applications, 2015, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is the scientific successor to the Hubble Space Telescope. It is a cryogenic infrared space observatory with a 25 m² aperture (6 m class) telescope that will achieve diffraction limited angular resolution at a wavelength of 2 um. The science instrument payload includes four passively cooled near-infrared instruments providing broad- and narrow-band imagery, coronography, as well as multi-object and integral-field spectroscopy over the 0.6 < λ < 5.0 um spectrum. An actively cooled mid-infrared instrument provides broad-band imagery, coronography, and integral-field spectroscopy over the 5.0 < λ < 29 um spectrum. The JWST is being developed by NASA, in partnership with the European and Canadian Space Agencies, as a general user facility with science observations proposed by the international astronomical community in a manner similar to the Hubble Space Telescope. Technology development and mission design are complete. The science instrument payload is in the final stage of testing ahead of delivery for integration with the telescope during eairly 2016. The JWST is on schedule for launch during 2018.

Citation Download Citation

Matthew A. Greenhouse "The JWST science instrument payload: mission context and status", Proc. SPIE 9602, UV/Optical/IR Space Telescopes and Instruments: Innovative Technologies and Concepts VII, 960202 (4 September 2015); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2186352

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