NIRSpec approaching ISIM, March 2014
Date: 24 March 2014
Satellite: JWST
Depicts: NIRSpec flight model
Copyright: NASA/Chris Gunn
In this picture the Near InfraRed Spectrograph (NIRSpec) is mounted on the Horizontal Integration Tool (HIT) via the HIT adapter. NIRSpec is approaching the Integrated Science Instrument Module (ISIM). As the fit is very tight, members of the team, called spotters, carefully watch the locations where interference could occur. Attached to the crane, with the red numbered display, is the load cell that continuously monitors how much "NIRSpec weight" the crane is carrying. The load cell measures in pounds - NIRSpec weighs about 196 kg, which is about 460 lbs.
NIRSpec is one of four instruments on JWST. It is a multi-object spectrograph capable of observing at least 100 astronomical objects simultaneously. It will support JWST's four main science themes by providing low, medium and high-resolution spectroscopic observations.
NIRSpec is developed by ESA with Airbus Defence and Space, Germany, as the prime contractor. NIRSpec's Micro Shutter Assembly (MSA) and Focal Plane Assembly (FPA) are provided by NASA.
