The James Webb Space Telescope collided with a micrometeorite between May 23 and 25. A small space object hit one of the segments of the main mirror, according to the NASA website. The impact force was greater than expected during ground tests. Nevertheless, experts say that the telescope will be able to perform the tasks for which it was created.
Even tiny particles moving at high speeds can damage the skin of any spacecraft, and the tennis court-sized primary mirror on the James Webb is a pretty big target. That is why, during the design and construction of the telescope, tests were carried out for the strength of all segments of the mirror. It was necessary to simulate possible situations and make sure that it could withstand micrometeorite impacts during its entire service life. At the end of last year, the team recorded several minor collisions, but this time it turned out to be more powerful.
At the moment, all systems of the space observatory are operating normally, the engineers have corrected the position of one of the segments of the primary mirror. At the same time, analyzes and measurements are ongoing to assess the consequences of the strike. It is necessary to find out if this may affect the scientific mission as a whole, although the current situation should not change the upcoming work schedule. It is expected that on July 12 the first full-color images from the James Webb will be transmitted to Earth.
Source: Trash Box
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