The Near Infrared Camera (NIRCam) instrument for NASA's James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is one of the four science instruments installed into the Integrated Science Instrument Module (ISIM) on JWST intended to conduct scientific observations over a five year mission lifetime. NIRCam's requirements include operation at 37 kelvins (K) to produce high resolution images in two wave bands encompassing the range from 0.6 microns to 5 microns. In addition NIRCam is used as a metrology instrument during the JWST observatory commissioning on orbit, during the initial and subsequent precision alignments of the observatory's multiple-segment 6.3 meter primary mirror. This paper describes the integration and test (I&T) processes used to verify the Imaging Optical Assembly (IOA) to the defined requirements.
Advances in systems engineering, applied sciences, and manufacturing technologies have enabled the development of large ground based and spaced based astronomical instruments having a large Field of View (FOV) to capture a large portion of the universe in a single image. A larger FOV can be accomplished using light weighted optical elements, improved support structures, and the development of mosaic Focal Plane Assemblies (mFPA). A mFPA designed for astronomy can use multiple Charged Coupled Devices (CCD) mounted onto a single camera baseplate integrated at the instrument plane of focus. Examples of current, or proposed, missions utilizing mFPA technology include FAME, GEST, Kepler, GAIA, LSST, and SNAP. The development of a mFPA mandates tighter control on the design trades, component development, CCD characterization, component integration, and performance verification testing. This paper addresses the capability Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company's (LMSSC) Advanced Technology Center (ATC) has developed to perform CCD characterization, mFPA assembly and alignment, and mFPA system level testing.
The performance parameters, the implemented design, and the testing processes used to develop a variable profile scan mirror mechanism for operations in a cryovacuum environment are described. Particular attention is given to the mechanical design of the mirror mechanism, the electrical control system, and the synchronization pulse generation. The results of scan mirror performance tests are presented, showing that the mirror has met or exceeded all performance requirements. The scan mirror has operated at 30 K with a high reliability in positional accuracy and constant velocity scanning for an estimated 700,000 cycles.
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