James Webb Space Telescope

[greenskull]

Thanks for returning the original title.

As I wrote earlier, one of the main tasks of this project is to search for exoplanets similar to the Earth and signs of (intelligent) life.
As a follower of the Paleocontact Theory, I am extremely sensitive to the mission of this project.
And I also understand all the profound consequences for humanity that the discoveries of this project will bring.

[Dr Sardonicus]

Launch of new NASA space telescope delayed after incident

BERLIN (AP) - The European Space Agency says the launch of a new NASA telescope to replace the famed Hubble observatory is being postponed to allow experts to check the device for possible damage following an incident at its spaceport in French Guiana.

The ESA said in a statement late Monday that technicians had been preparing to attach the James Webb Space Telescope to a launch vehicle adapter when a clamp band suddenly loosened, jolting the delicate observatory.
<snip>

[Uncwilly]

^{Commentary on probable launch date:}

[Dr Sardonicus]

Christmas! What could possibly go wrong? (YouTube video)

[Uncwilly]

Originally Posted by Dr Sardonicus

What could possibly go wrong?

Well about 4/5's of those were Atlas's (Jon Glenn's ride to space.)
I will see you with this and raise you with this.

[kriesel]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7IjgZGhHrYY
A payload the UW-Madison produced missed the Challenger disaster by one flight. That is, if it had been scheduled one flight earlier, it would have been lost along with the ship and crew. By being scheduled 1 flight later, it waited 4 years for its first ride, made it up and down twice, 5 years apart, and is going to the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum.

[Dr Sardonicus]

Originally Posted by Uncwilly

Well about 4/5's of those were Atlas's (Jon Glenn's ride to space.)
I will see you with this and raise you with this.

Thanks! I could probably watch videos of rockets blowing up all day - as long as they didn't involve anyone getting injured or killed.

There was a story about about the Vanguard TV-3 failure - the first US attempt to put a satellite in orbit - that seems to have dropped by the wayside. In the video, you can see the nose cone coming off as the rocket topples over. Apparently the satellite made it to the ground intact, clear of the explosion, and sat there beeping. My mom told me that someone suggested shooting it to put it out of its misery.

When a rocket blows up in flight, that is usually the result of the Range Safety Officer or Safety Engineer sending a radio signal that detonates an explosive charge designed and installed to rip the casing from end to end. This prevents the rocket from going far downrange and blowing up where it might inflict damage or casualties.

There is at least one video of a rocket that actually went up and subsequently nosed straight down and blew up when it hit the gound. I'm not sure why the self-destruct wasn't executed.

EDIT: Back on topic - let's hope the thing checks out OK after the little oopsadaisy, and launches safely around Christmas.

And that it works as intended...

[jwaltos]

I was following this deployment with interest for a couple of reasons. There's an excellent documentary on the people involved in this project and its intended hopes and aims which is well worth watching. The second is that I lived in this area for a couple of years (in the 80's) while in the Legion and we had to secure the launch area etc.. . At a popular watering hole in Kourou I had the privilege of meeting some rocket scientists along with some other smart people from all over the world including Canada. One specialty of mine was telecommunications so I was able to get an insight into some of the systems in place at the time. As usual, there was always secret service present who did their best to blend in but mannerisms, vocabulary and a few other things tipped their hand. I could only smile as I bought each one of them a drink when I left for the night.

I was going to put this is in the reading section (where it belongs) but while I'm here...
If anyone reads 2600, there's an interesting piece on post quantum cryptography on p.50 of Vol. 38 No. 2.

[Xyzzy]

https://www.quantamagazine.org/why-n...-much-20211203

[Uncwilly]

2550

[Dr Sardonicus]

High wind postpones launch of NASA's newest space telescope

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) - Dangerously high wind will keep NASA's newest space telescope on the ground for at least an extra day, with the launch now targeted for Saturday - Christmas Day - at the earliest.

NASA announced the latest delay Tuesday. Upper-level high wind could force a rocket off-course or even damage or destroy it.