The engineering is first-class; every step of the unfolding sequence, and mechanics has been tested and retested. [Current status animator, here, from NASA.]
But never before in cold, dark silent space. So, it will be a naturally nervous month or so. Here's the latest from the leaders at the European Space Agency:
. . .Now in space and on its way to L2, [the next gen 'scope] will undergo a complex unfolding sequence. In the months after, the instruments will be turned on and their capabilities tested. After half a year in space, [it] will start its routine science observations. . . .
[It] will see farther into our origins: from the Universe's first galaxies, to the birth of stars and planets, to exoplanets with the potential for life, and our own Solar System.
“The idea for [this 'scope] started with the dream of astronomers to observe the birth of the first galaxies in the early Universe, but the telescope will be able to do so much more than everyone had hoped for,” says Günther Hasinger, ESA Director of Science.
ESA contributed to two of the four scientific instruments on board: NIRSpec and MIRI. “It is down to the excellence of the European industry and scientific community that the development of these complex instruments was made possible,” Günther adds.
“We are now looking forward to the beautiful images and spectra that [this 'scope] will obtain. The European astronomical community is excited to see the results of the 33% available observing time they competitively won for [this 'scope] first year,” says Antonella Nota, ESA Project Scientist. . . .
Now you know -- off, for a mountain bike ride, into the sunshine. . . smile.
नमस्ते
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