NASA’s Webb Reaches Alignment Milestone, Optics Working Successfully

Following the completion of critical mirror alignment steps, the James Webb Space Telescope team has great confidence that the observatory’s optical performance will meet or exceed the science goals it was built to achieve.

On March 11, the Webb team completed the stage of alignment known as “fine phasing” – and at this key stage in the commissioning of Webb’s Optical Telescope Element, every optical parameter that has been checked and tested is performing at, or above, expectations. The team found no critical issues and no measurable contamination or blockages to Webb’s optical path. The observatory is able to successfully gather light from distant objects and deliver it to its instruments without issue.

Although there are months to go before Webb ultimately delivers its new view of the cosmos, achieving this milestone means the team is confident that Webb’s first-of-its-kind optical system is working as well as possible.

Music Credit: Emerging Discovery Instrumental by Carter / Universal Production Music

Video Credit: NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center

Aaron E. Lepsch (ADNET): Technical Support
Adriana Manrique Gutierrez (KBRwyle): Animator
Michael McClare (KBRwyle): Lead Producer
Michael McClare (KBRwyle): Lead Videographer
Michael McClare (KBRwyle): Video Editor
Michael P. Menzel (AIMM): Videographer

[thehandleiwantedwasntavailable]

My Dad and I talked about Webb for many, many years. Sadly he never lives to see Webb launch. Though upon seeing the first focused image out of Webb, I couldn’t help but cry at his memory and the conversation it would’ve sparked.

[tylercaton]

This is so thrilling! A true marvel of engineering, precision, and discipline. Congrats JWST team! On the edge of my seat for what comes next.

[kariahola]

Highest respect for all telescope designers and engineers! Goes to show what we as human kind can achieve as the best. Make progress - not war!

[bertpasquale]

“Highest resolution infrared images taken from space, ever.”
“Exceeded every expectation”
Congratulations!

[stomachtalk]

The whole team needs to be applauded for this. But, can we please give an applause to the photonics and optical physicists who deserve the respect for working out the details this will allow astronomers to make their observations

[johnfraser]

Congrats to the entire team(s) ! All of your work, and patience with this lengthy process, are finally paying~off. Excited to see some of the 1st images. 👍

[helldoon]

Congrats to everyone involved in the project. Despite all the wars and fights going on on the earth, you have reminded us again that we human beings achieve great things when we work together. I can't wait to see what will be discovered with this technological marvel.

[dragnflei]

I am so excited for the Webb team. Congratulations on the amazing success you’ve had so far!!

[aemagne]

Congratulations! to all the people who are working on the James webb project because you have achieved a historic milestone for humanity, I greet you from Buenos Aires

[fredfrancis]

Hooray!! I worked at Teledyne on the H2RG infrared detectors, and on the SIDECAR ASICS that were used the Near-Infrared Camera (NIRCam), the Fine Guidance Sensor (FGS), and the Near-Infrared Spectrograph (NIRSpec). I have been waiting for this day since I finished my part of that effort in 2010! It's so great to see it come to fruition now. I only wish Roger Briere was still around to see it! 👏🙌 Kudos and thanks to our manager, Brian Caplan for leading a great team!

[davestubbs]

Hey, Scott! It been a long time since we worked together at LPARL and the Keck Institute. I participated in the NIRCam effort and am thrilled to see everything working so very well. So happy to see you on this video. Your explanation was so well stated that I even understood it…

[Livingsamsara]

Congrats & Thank You!! Thank you for sharing the information & updates. No matter how small, some of us love to geek out for JWST information & success!

[Lawreads]

Hey James Webb, take the pure love of earth beings 💜. Congratulations to the each and every single being involved to make this happen.
Waiting to hear the good news about the first image send by Webb. Good luck webb👍

[sloanNYC]

What a milestone in human history. Getting this into that orbit and with this level of precision and accuracy is just amazing.

[MarkPryor]

Fabulous!! So stoked it is performing better than expected. Very exciting for everyone involved and the rest of the world.

[RahulRungta]

Generations will remember the work being done here.. Congrats to the entire team!

This is what humanity should be focusing & promoting, instead of building military industrial complexes and funding wars!!

[MoondyneJoe]

A huge congratulations to everyone concerned in bringing the James Webb Telescope to this point in space and time, with what the amazing Hubble Telescope has shown us so far what can be done with the technology of that time, to right now with the technology we have, it will be amazing to see what comes next to enlighten our knowledge of the universe.
Tony from Western Australia 🇦🇺

[ChadH]

I don't think people realize how incredible this telescope will be for the next generation.

[stz]

With all the things that are happening in this world now, you guys are the high point for humanity. Thank you for your work and the inspiration. Wish the JWST team all the best.

[matusknives]

Great to hear that another important milestone was achieved. I would love to see a more detailed/technical lecture on how the mirrors were aligned.