Lessons Learned from the James Webb Space Telescope

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), launched on December 25, 2021, is NASA’s successor mission to the Hubble Space Telescope. JWST has been designed and developed to observe “first light” objects in the nascent universe, the evolution of galaxies over cosmic history, star birth within our own galaxy, planet formation and evolution both in our solar system and in solar systems around other stars, and to make detailed observations of some of the recently discovered exoplanets. The JWST telescope has an aperture greater than 6 meters in diameter, and along with its complement of science instruments must be cooled to cryogenic temperatures below 50K. It is operated at the Sun-Earth L2 point to keep thermal sources such as the Sun and Earth in the same general direction so that their radiation can be shielded by a “tennis-court sized” sunshield, allowing the payload to attain these temperatures passively. The observatory is now into its third year of operations, producing magnificent images and science data that is already reshaping our understanding of the early universe. This presentation will give an overview of the more significant lessons learned during the development, commissioning and operations of this “first and only of its kind” observatory. 

Speaker: Michael T. Menzel (JWST Mission Systems Engineer, NASA)

This event will be held in person and virtually. To stream the colloquium, please click the Webcast button above. 

The goal of STScI Engineering and Technology Colloquia is to provide speakers for our community of the highest caliber from leading-edge engineering and technology disciplines and promote collaboration with professionals across the Institute. The steering committee invites speakers not only from conventional engineering disciplines, but from across business, academia, and government. Obtaining speakers with perspectives and knowledge that can enrich the understanding of our staff and simultaneously enhance their connections with other professionals across the nation is fundamental to ensuring STScI remains at the forefront of its mission.

Please direct questions or comments to seatc@stsci.edu. The 2024 committee members are Aasif Chanandin, Reena DeBerry, Melody Easton, Sherita Hanna, Aiden Kovacs, Donald McLean, Lauretta Nagel (Chair), Susan Reed, Michael Register, Justin Trammell.