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. ESA provided NASA with the HIT adapter, so that NIRSpec can be picked up and manoeuvred without damage. The strut with "–V1" written on it is part of 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.
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.
