- Engineering Test Unit for the Near Infrared Spectrograph ready for delivery to NASA
- Astrium responsible for developing the instrument that will study the evolution of stars and galaxies
Along with NASA, both the European (ESA) and Canadian (CSA) space agencies are involved in developing the JWST, which is due to be launched in 2014. The JWST is the successor to the Hubble space telescope and will study every phase in the history of our Universe, ranging from the first light after the Big Bang to the evolution of planetary systems. This will be made possible by the JWST’s huge primary mirror (which will be six and a half metres wide making it the largest telescope in space) and its suite of four highly sensitive instruments, including the NIRSpec.
Evert Dudok, CEO of Astrium Satellites said: “The completion of the NIRSpec ETU is part of Astrium’s ongoing contribution to the next step in modern astronomy. The JWST is hugely important in expanding our understanding of the Universe’s evolution and Astrium is at the forefront of providing the cutting-edge technology that will ensure this mission becomes a success.”
The NIRSpec, for which Astrium is the prime contractor on behalf of the ESA, will be capable of registering up to a hundred objects, such as galaxies and stars, through various spectral resolutions. This means that the JWST will be able to simultaneously observe large parts of space at unprecedented depths. The NIRSpec will weigh only 200Kg and will operate at temperatures of -238°C as the JWST orbits one million miles (1.5 million km) from Earth.. The flight model of the NIRSpec will be integrated and tested on the JWST from 2011 onwards and will operate for potentially up to ten years once in space.
Along with NIRSpec, Astrium in the UK is involved in the development of another key instrument for the JWST, the Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI). MIRI's objectives include distinguishing first light objects, studying galaxy evolution and exploring the development of stars.
About Astrium
Astrium, a wholly owned subsidiary of EADS, is dedicated to providing civil and defence space systems and services. In 2008, Astrium had a turnover of €4.3 billion and 15,000 employees in France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Spain and the Netherlands. Its three main areas of activity are Astrium Space Transportation for launchers and orbital infrastructure, Astrium Satellites for spacecraft and ground segment and Astrium Services for the development and delivery of satellite services.
EADS is a global leader in aerospace, defence and related services. In 2008, EADS generated revenues of €43.3 billion and employed a workforce of more than 118, 000.
Press contacts:
Daniel Mosely (Astrium UK) Tel.: +44 (0)1 438 77 8180
Matthieu Duvelleroy (Astrium FR) Tel.: +33 (0) 1 77 75 80 32
Ralph Heinrich (Astrium GER) Tel.: +49 (0) 89 607 33971
Francisco Lechón (Astrium SP) Tel.: +34 91 586 37 41
www.astrium.eads.net
