Technicians and engineers working on the James Webb Space Telescope recently announced that they have successfully completed an important measurement test for the telescope's primary mirror. The Center of Curvature test is a crucial optical measurement that is done in several stages of rigorous mechanical tests.

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The Center of Curvature simulates the vibration environment and violent sound which the telescope will experience once it is inside a rocket on its way to the outer space. The test is a requirement to point out any alteration on the telescope's shape and alignment, a significant factor which could degrade or ruin the device's performance once in outer space.

The James Webb Space Telescope is designed to withstand its launch environment. However, experts need to test it in a simulated environment to verify that the telescope can indeed survive and also to take note of any changes that might happen. Experts would take the same optical measurements both before and after the simulated test. The results would be compared to highlight any minuscule change that might affect the telescope.

In a statement acquired by Phys, NASA Deputy Telescope Manager for Webb Ritva Keski-Kuha said, "This is the only test of the entire mirror where we can use the same equipment during a before and after test. This test will show if there are any changes or damages to the optical system."

The James Webb Space Telescope is considered to be the most powerful space telescope ever built. The telescope's main job is to take and transmit images of the first galaxies to from, as well as explore planets and other celestial bodies in distant solar systems.

Tagsjames webb, Space telescope, James Webb Space Telescope, NASA, outer space