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Engineers at the James Webb Space Telescope have found a way around a friction problem experienced by the telescope’s mid-infrared (MIRI) instrument. The team now plans to resume observations using the instrument’s MRS (Medium Resolution Spectrometry) mode, which has not been used since August.
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On August 24, while preparing observations using MIRI’s MRS mode, the team noticed increased friction on one of the wheels and described the friction as “scratchy” or “sticky”. The function of the wheel is to choose between short, medium and longer wavelengths.
Engineers and scientists agreed to pause observations in this mode until the teams could come together to conduct in-depth investigations into the problem. They looked at the design of the instrument and wheels, as well as historical and post-launch data. Meanwhile, the other MIRI modes were working, as well as the other three instruments, the near-infrared camera (NIRCam), the near-infrared spectrometer (NIRSpec), and the fine guidance sensor/near-infrared imager and slitless spectrograph (FGS/NIRISS).
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In a JWST blog post, the team said it had concluded that the issue was likely caused by “increased contact forces between sub-components of the wheel center bearing assembly under certain conditions.” Based on this, the team developed and validated a plan on how to use the affected mechanism during scientific operations.
They tested the plan with a Nov. 2 technical test that successfully demonstrated predictions for wheel friction. JWST is now scheduled to resume scientific observations of MIRI MRS by Saturday 12 November.
And that too in time. Observations of the polar regions of Saturn have been planned and should now be possible just before these regions of Saturn become unobservable with the telescope for the next 20 years.
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If all goes well, the team will plan additional MRS science observations, initially on a limited cadence, according to a plan to balance the affected wheel, monitor wheel health and prepare MIRI MRS for the return to full scientific operations.
MIRI is one of the most important instruments on board. This allows the telescope to see in the wavelength range from 5 to 27 micrometers. The instrument has 4 modes: imaging, medium resolution spectroscopy, low resolution spectroscopy and coronagraphy.