space pebbles
Towards the end of May, the James Webb Space Telescope suffered impacts from micrometeorites. According to NASA, this high-velocity cosmic dust is inevitable in space. The telescope’s large mirrors were designed to withstand such impacts. During construction of the device, engineers simulated incidents to better determine the level of protection required.
no damage
After observing the consequences of these impacts, the scientists carried out tests. Even if an area is more strongly affected, corrections can be made to counter the distortion in the images produced by the Webb telescope. In addition, engineers are able to prevent a micrometeor shower by performing a few preventive maneuvers.
No change
NASA representatives maintain that these latest incidents do not change anything with regard to the program planned for the coming weeks. The team of scientists is continuing its preparation for the broadcast of the first images captured by the James Webb telescope. It is in July that the device will be officially inaugurated.
Source : NASA