James Webb Space Telescope Mirror Opened

The James Webb Space Telescope, which was launched on December 24 after the launch date was delayed many times and is thought to shed light on extraterrestrial life, continues its journey in the depths of space without any problems. A short while ago, the video of the moments when we could see the James Webb Space Telescope for the last time was shared; a few days before that, it was announced that the ‘sun shields’ of the telescope were opened.

The team behind the telescope has now successfully unpacked the distinctive golden mirror of the massive instrument. This means that the telescope’s setup is now largely complete and one step closer to sending data to Earth about the first galaxies of the infinite universe.

“A remarkable achievement for the world”

“This is the first time a NASA-led mission has attempted to complete a complex sequence to open an observatory in space – our team, NASA,” said Gregory L. Robinson, the telescope’s program director at NASA Headquarters, in a statement. And it’s a remarkable achievement for the world.”

The two wings of the telescope’s primary mirror, which began unfolding on Friday; It was successfully completed on Saturday with the second wing locking into place. Described by NASA as the world’s most complex space science telescope ever, Webb’s mirror, consisting of 18 hexagonal parts and measuring 6 meters; It also holds the title of being the largest mirror ever launched into space.

The opening of the primary mirror will be followed by the installation of other elements of the $10 billion telescope, launched on December 25. These items can disrupt Webb’s infrared settings; It encompasses five thin layers of tennis court-sized sun protection designed to trap unwanted heat signals produced by the Sun, Earth and Moon.

It will shed light on 13.5 billion years ago

Webb, who will travel 1 million miles from Earth over the next six months; It is expected to begin sending the first photos from space this summer, after the team calibrates the telescope’s other settings.

Built to shed light on the universe more than 13.5 billion years ago, the telescope will not only teach us about the hidden regions of space, but will also have the power to prove whether we have accurately documented the events that occurred just after the Big Bang.