Post by Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe on Feb 21, 2013 13:06:17 GMT -6
The Hubble and the James Webb Space Telescopes Lecture
Presented by Dr. John M. Grunsfeld at the Adler Planetarium
20 February 2013
Presented by Dr. John M. Grunsfeld at the Adler Planetarium
20 February 2013
Adler Telescope Facilitator John, Dr. Grunsfeld and Astro Joe
From the Adler:
"This is a time of accomplishment and opportunity for NASA Astrophysics. We have 13 space-based observatories spanning the electromagnetic spectrum that are studying the universe, the physics of the cosmos, cosmic origins, and searching for exoplanets. NASA's next great astrophysics observatory, the James Webb Space Telescope (JSWT), is on track to launch in 2018 and will address many of the outstanding issues of modern astronomy related to the 'Early Universe' and is expected to yield scientific breakthroughs as did its predecessor, the Hubble Space Telescope. This presentation will explore the latest discoveries and NASA’s plans for the future.
Dr. John M. Grunsfeld, a Chicago native, was named Associate Administrator for the Science Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington, D.C. in January 2012. He previously served as the Deputy Director of the Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore, MD, managing the science program for the Hubble Space Telescope and its partner in the JWST. His background includes research in high energy astrophysics, cosmic ray physics and in the emerging field of exoplanet studies with specific interest in future astronomical instrumentation. He is veteran of five space shuttle flights, having visited Hubble three times as an astronaut, performing a total of eight spacewalks to service and upgrade the observatory."
Dr. Grunsfeld gave a spirited and insightful presentation on the past and current missions of NASA, including the repair missions to the Hubble, the new Spitzer telescope and the ongoing Curiosity discoveries....
Interesting insights on problems they had to solve, such as the small bolt holding in the old camera module on the Hubble Telescope that would not loosen. If they could not remove that one bolt, the mission would been for naught. Even worse, if that bolt broke off, the repairs and mods to the imaging cameras would be forever sealed. They used a torque wrench that failed to do the job, so they brought in another higher rated torque wrench that also failed to turn the bolt. With nothing else to lose, they used a regular wrench and Grunsfeld gave it his all - hoping that the bolt would not sheer off. It moved...and finally cooperated and extracted - enabling the EVA crew to replace the old module for the new.
He also revealed that after every Shuttle mission, the entire space craft is closely examined for damage...and always - there are impacts from micro-meteors dinging the ship....some as large as a quarter. Shuttle windows have had to be replaced due to this type of damage. A close call on Grunsfeld's STS-125 mission was that quarter sized impact hit an open Bay Door, just in between two coolant lines. If the space debris would have hit a line, the mission would have been over.
He shared details about his fellow crew members, their astronaut nicknames, habits and activities...
Peeps...!
The last pic here, is astronaut Andrew J. Feustel looking through a large water ball floating in the Shuttle cabin.
Grunsfeld discussed the upcoming James Webb Infrared Telescope...
This scope will be completely open to the cold of space, protected from the solar heat by a five layer shield which will always aim toward the sun - keeping the mirrors in the dark and chilled. The danger is high on space debris impact damage though.
This new telescope will hopefully be ready by 2015 and will enable Astronomers to peer deep within nebulae and other material that obstructs our views.
Also, up to date info on the Curiosity mission on Mars and the first drilling job on the surface...
...that here is virgin soil from beneath the oxidized surface of Mars and the analysis of this fresh material will be available soon.
Something new at the Adler I noticed....
In the new revamped " Samuel C. Johnson Family Star Theater" (Formally the Universe Theater), there are now cushy full length cushions on the floor - ahead of the regular seating.
We also grab a quick shot with Adler Astronomers Gyuk and Salgado after the lecture....
We thank Dr. Grunsfeld for his contribution to space exploration and sharing his experience with the Adler audience.
