Another twenty-four hours , another problem with the Webb Space Telescope . The new delay has to do with a communications issue , which we can only go for is not serious .
NASA ’s in style update to the Webb launching situation was clear , concise , and grammatically incorrect . “ The James Webb Space Telescope squad is working a communicating exit between the observation tower and the launching fomite system , ” the outer space agencypostedto its Webb scope blog . “ This will detain the launching date to no earlier than Friday , Dec. 24 . We will provide more info about the new launch day of the month no by and by than Friday , Dec. 17 . ”
That ’s a delay of two day , as the highly anticipate ( andanxiety - enkindle ) space observation tower had been scheduled for launch on December 22 . A two - day delay does n’t sound serious , but because no further details were given , it ’s hard to fuck .
The Webb space telescope being hoisted to the top of an Ariane 5 rocket.Photo: ESA/M. Pedoussaut
In November , aprocessing incidentat a artificial satellite preparation installation in Kourou , French Guiana , caused a vibration to run through the total $ 10 billion telescope , leave in a four - day delay . The incident take place as Arianespace technicians were preparing to put on Webb to the launching fomite transcriber . A NASA - extend probe found no lingering proceeds anddeclaredthe lookout “ ready for flight of stairs . ”
unspoiled advance has been made since then . The telescope has beenfueled up , transportedto the last fabrication construction at Europe ’s Spaceport in French Guiana , andplaced atopthe Ariane 5 rocket that will take it to space . As the Webb blognotedon December 14 , the scope “ was slowly lift nearly 130 infantry [ 40 meters ] and then perfectly aligned on top of the Ariane 5 , after which technicians bolted Webb ’s launch vehicle adapter down to the rocket . ”
call for a lift ? ⬆ ️
On Dec. 11,#NASAWebbwas slow hoisted well-nigh 130 ft ( ~40 m ) , then secure on top of its@Ariane5rocket . Next up : capsulise Webb inside the rocket ’s specially accommodate fairing . Read more : https://t.co/3SrtONvutI
📸 : ESA-M.Pedoussautpic.twitter.com/OgjXcNNkeG
— NASA Webb Telescope ( @NASAWebb)December 14 , 2021
A successor to thestill - active - but - strugglingHubble Space Telescope , Webb will use its infrared capableness to study distant planet , maven , and some of the most ancient galaxy in the population .
The incident with the quivering and now the communications take are just two of many problems to smite the project over the years . Webb , a quislingism between NASA , ESA , and the Canadian Space Agency , was suppose to establish old age ago , but ongoingtechnical challenge , thecovid-19 pandemic , andotherissues have leave in a seemingly dateless successiveness of holdup .
The current year alone has see to it multiple delay , as the observatory was opine to set up in March , October , and November — including October 31 . I suppose the new target engagement of Christmas Eve is far less ominous than a Halloween launch .
More:2021 was the weirdest twelvemonth in space ever
ArianeArianespaceIn scienceInfrared telescopesNASASpacecraftSpaceflight
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