NEWS - PRESS RELEASES

Advanced space engineering to probe farthest depths of the cosmos

University of Leicester provides structural and mechanical engineering lead for the design and development of ground-breaking astronomical instrument

Issued 18 March 2010

Space engineers and technicians from the University of Leicester have played a pivotal role in developing a new instrument to be deployed into space.

They have provided the mechanical engineering know-how behind one of four instruments to be placed on board the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) to be launched in 2014 in order to succeed the current Hubble telescope.

The JWST telescope will produce the sharpest images yet of the farthest depths of the cosmos – thanks, in part, to the work of engineers and scientists at the University of Leicester Space Research Centre.

Space Research Centre Manager, John Pye, who is also the University’s lead staff member for MIRI, said: “JWST will have four scientific instruments. One of these instruments – the MidInfrared Instrument (MIRI) is being designed and built by a European Consortium of scientific institutions and industry, including the University of Leicester.

“We provide the structural and mechanical engineering lead for the design and development of MIRI, and with colleagues at the Danish National Space Centre (DNSC) are responsible for the MIRI ‘Primary Structure’ that ensures that all the critical components of the instrument are held in close alignment even through the large vibrations and shock of launch (on a European Space Agency Ariane-V rocket) and during cool-down to the operational temperature of -266 C (just 7 degrees above ‘absolute zero’).”

Jon Sykes, of the University’s Space Research Centre, who is the mechanical engineering lead for the whole MIRI Consortium, added: “As a ground-breaking astronomical instrument, MIRI has presented many engineering challenges, which the multi-national design team have worked together to meet and produce a world-class facility.”

Dr Pye added: “The project has now successfully built and tested two full-size test models of MIRI. The component parts of the final model (Flight Model) are currently nearing completion at various locations around the UK, the rest of Europe and in the USA. The Leicester parts were delivered to the project on 8th March.”

You can read the full press release from the Science and Technology Facilities Council by clicking here .

NOTE TO NEWSDESK: For more information see the contact information in the STFC/BNSC press release, or for University of Leicester information contact Dr John Pye, tel: +44 116 252 3552