Fine-Tuning the James Webb Space Telescope on This Week @NASA – February 11, 2022

This week's NASA update covers the James Webb Space Telescope's mirror alignment, Parker Solar Probe's images of Venus, Northrop Grumman's resupply mission to the ISS, the IMPACTS mission studying snowstorms, and the RS25 engine test for Artemis missions. The James Webb team is aligning the telescope's primary mirror using the near infrared camera, while the Parker Solar Probe captured visible light images of Venus. Northrop Grumman is preparing for a resupply mission to the ISS, delivering scientific research materials. The IMPACTS mission is tracking snowstorms across the U.S., and the RS25 engine test is part of preparations for future Artemis missions.

What is the primary goal of the James Webb Space Telescope's current phase?

• To conduct a resupply mission to the ISS

• To study the surface of Venus

• To align its primary mirror using the near-infrared camera

• To capture images of distant galaxies

What did the Parker Solar Probe achieve during its recent flybys of Venus?

• It measured the temperature of Venus's core

• It discovered new moons around Venus

• It detected water on Venus

• It captured the first visible light images of Venus's surface

What is the purpose of Northrop Grumman's upcoming mission to the ISS?

• To launch a new satellite

• To deliver more than 8200 pounds of cargo, including scientific studies

• To conduct a spacewalk

• To repair the space station's solar panels

What is the focus of NASA's IMPACTS mission?

• Monitoring volcanic activity on Earth

• Studying the surface of Mars

• Tracking snowstorms across the Midwest and Eastern U.S.

• Exploring the rings of Saturn

What is the significance of the RS25 engine test conducted at the Stennis Space Center?

• It aims to improve satellite communication

• It is part of the preparations for the Artemis deep space missions

• It is a routine maintenance check for existing spacecraft

• It tests new propulsion technology for Mars missions