NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope

Micrometeoroid dings James Webb mirror segment

9 June 2022 Astronomy Now

A micrometeoroid hit one of the James Webb Space Telescope’s primary mirror segments last month, causing “marginally detectable” degradation.

Webb optical alignment complete and virtually perfect

9 May 2022 Astronomy Now

NASA says the James Webb Space Telescope’s optical system is now in virtually perfect alignment, setting the stage for instrument commissioning and science operations later this summer.

Webb optics alignment achieves near perfect focus

21 March 2022 Astronomy Now

In another milestone, the 18 segments of the James Webb Space Telescope’s primary mirror have been aligned with near-flawless precision.

Webb mirror segments repositioned as alignment proceeds

24 February 2022 Astronomy Now

Engineers are making steady progress aligning the 18 segments making up the Webb space telescope’s 6.5-metre primary mirror.

NASA pleased with initial Webb images as mirror alignment begins

13 February 2022 Astronomy Now

In another major milestone, the James Webb Space Telescope has captured first-light images of a star to help engineers align the 18 segments making up its primary mirror.

Webb reaches Lagrange Point 2, setting stage for mirror alignment

25 January 2022 Astronomy Now

The James Webb Space Telescope slips into orbit around Lagrange Point 2, setting the stage for the next critical step in its commissioning: mirror alignment.

Webb mirrors fully deployed, clearing the way for alignment

10 January 2022 Astronomy Now

Two weeks after its Christmas Day launch, engineers completed the James Webb Space Telescope’s mirror deployment, clearing the way for alignment and focusing.

NASA holds up final Webb sunshade deploy to double check readiness

3 January 2022 Astronomy Now

Final tightening of Webb’s critical sunshade will clear the way for deployment of the telescope’s optical elements.

NASA resumes James Webb launch preps after incident review

26 November 2021 Astronomy Now

Engineers find no damage to James Webb Space Telescope after ground-processing incident that jostled the $10 billion observatory.

James Webb Space Telescope launch delayed pending ‘incident’ review

23 November 2021 Astronomy Now

Launch of the James Webb Space Telescope is being delayed at least four days after a ground processing “incident” at the French Guiana launch site.