The Universe of Very Cold: The James Webb Space Telescope, MIRI, and the Cryocooler
22
June 2023
June 23, 2023
The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) takes incredible images using infrared light. The optics and science instruments must be incredibly cold, especially JWST’s Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI), which needs to be at a temperature of less than 7 kelvins, or -447 F. This is not possible without the Cryocooler, which keeps MIRI’s detectors cool.
Speakers
Dr. Konstantin Penanen
JWST/MIRI Cryocooler Lead, NASA/JPL
Nikki Wyrick
Office of Communications and Education, NASA/JPL
Kaitlyn Soares
Universe Public Engagement Lead, NASA/JPL