James Webb Space Telescope begins lining up its golden mirrors | Space

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James Webb Space Telescope begins lining up its golden mirrors

By Elizabeth Howell published 1 day ago

The procedure will take about three months all told.

The James Webb Space Telescope's 21.3-foot (6.5 meter) diameter primary mirror.
The James Webb Space Telescope's 21.3-foot (6.5 meter) diameter primary mirror. (Image credit: NASA/Chris Gunn)

Just weeks after the excitement of launch, the James Webb Space Telescope is already seeking focus in space.

Engineers are beginning alignment procedures for the recently unfolded 18-segment massive golden mirror. The work will eventually get these individual reflectors working as a single focusing device, NASA officials wrote in a blog update posted on Wednesday (Jan. 12).

The procedure began with engineers commanding 132 actuators that will move and position the primary mirror segments and the secondary mirror, just to make sure everything was responded as expected. The team also ensured the actuators are working to guide Webb's fine steering mirror, which will be used during the image stabilization process.

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