What is the current status of the James Webb Space Telescope (http://jwst.nasa.gov)? How will th

What is the current status of the James Webb Space Telescope...

Key Concepts

James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) Status and Mission

This concept encompasses the current phase and operational objectives of a major space-based observatory. It involves understanding the progress on construction, testing, and deployment of the telescope, as well as the scientific goals it is designed to achieve, such as observing the early universe, star formation, and exoplanet environments.

Differences in Design and Capabilities (JWST vs HST)

This concept explores the contrasting technical specifications and operational approaches between two cutting-edge space telescopes. Key differences include the wavelength ranges they cover (with JWST focusing on infrared observations compared to Hubble's optical and ultraviolet focus), their orbits (with JWST positioned at a Lagrange point versus Hubble’s low Earth orbit), and the potential for deeper, more detailed cosmological observations due to advanced technology.

Space Telescope Instrumentation and Planned Science Projects

This concept involves the suite of scientific instruments onboard a space telescope, such as high-resolution cameras, spectrographs, and sensors. These instruments are critical for achieving specific scientific objectives, including probing the formation of galaxies, studying the atmospheres of exoplanets, and mapping cosmic structures. The planned projects leverage these instruments to answer fundamental questions in astronomy and astrophysics.

Project Cost Estimation and Budget Management

This concept relates to the financial planning and cost assessment of large-scale scientific missions. It includes the estimation of total project costs, considerations for budget overruns, and the economic justification for scientific investments. Understanding project cost estimation is crucial in the management and execution of technologically advanced space missions, ensuring that the objectives are met within allocated resources.

Transcript

00:01 Okay, i went to the link for the james webspace telescope, and i see that it is set to launch on october 31st of 2021, which is next year for me.

00:13 Right now, it's in deployment testing, which to me means the telescope is ready to go, fully designed and constructed.

00:25 They're just making sure that everything's going to work once it gets up into space.

00:30 I watched a four -minute video.

00:33 And some interesting things that we had told me is that the diameter of the telescope is six and a half meters.

00:39 And what i thought was really interesting was that it's going to be able to see 13 .5 billion years into the past due to speed of light traveling from very far distance.

00:57 So when it views very, very far away, it views very, very far back in time.

01:05 So i'm wondering what percent of the existence of the universe does this cover? so i guess i really wanted to do $13 .5 billion over $13 .5 billion plus $300 million.

01:39 And this is years.

01:41 So i'm going to put that into a calculator here, $13 .5 billion.

01:52 So i'm just going to put that in as $13 ,500 over $13 ,500.

01:54 Over 13500 plus 300.

02:05 So that would be 97 .8 of all time.

02:22 And i guess what i'm wondering is since distance equals velocity times time and so we know the velocity of light is three times 10 to the eighth meters per second this is linear so why didn't we we design the telescope to just get this extra 2 .2 % it's only 2 .2 % farther to see the actual creation of the universe.

03:20 So why didn't we do that? i don't know what the answer to that is, but you would think for a 2 .2 % if that just means making the diameter 2 .2 % larger, that should have been a no -brainer to put that in.

03:46 Then we could see the absolute beginning of time in theory.

03:53 All right, enough of that.

03:55 So this telescope, the james webspace telescope, is larger.

04:05 It also operates colder when it has a huge, heat shield because apparently operating colder is beneficial.

04:26 And since it's larger, it can see farther.

04:30 And i would think definitely with much greater resolving power.

04:42 So i clicked on key facts.

04:46 And down near the bottom, it lists.

04:48 Instruments...