NASA has announced that the James Webb Telescope will be able to operate “much more” than the planned 10 years due to fuel savings

Posted:

December 30, 2021 15:32 GMT

This was made possible by “shooting accuracy” that “exceeded requirements” and through two precise mid-course correction maneuvers.

NASA communication On Wednesday, after analyzing the initial trajectory of the James Webb Space Telescope, it will likely have enough fuel to support the science mission “for more than ten years.”

The report shows that less thrust than originally planned was needed to correct the instrument’s trajectory toward its final orbit, thanks to two precise mid-course correction maneuvers performed using small engines. The first increased its speed by 72.4 kilometers per hour and the second by 10.1 kilometers per hour.

According to the space agency, fuel savings are also planned.Significantly for firing accuracy that “exceeded requirements” To put Webb on the right track. Despite the fact that the artifact will be in space for five years or more longer than the original estimate, there are other factors that could ultimately affect its final life.

The most powerful and most expensive telescope in history

This was a space telescope Fired This Saturday, by Ariane 5 rocket, a project led by NASA with the participation of the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA)

The telescope, considered the most powerful and most expensive in history, will allow astronomers to see space with new eyes and reach previously inaccessible corners of the universe. This is 100 times stronger from its predecessor Hubble, which is about to turn 32 years in orbit.

Among the reasons for its relatively short duration, in comparison with the Hubble telescope, is its design limitations: to ensure the high sensitivity of the sensor penetrating the deep infrared, it is necessary to constantly cool it with liquid helium to 267 ° C. Below zero. When the refrigerator runs out, James Webb will die.