According to CNET, the jameswebb space telescope, the next generation Observatory used by NASA to spy on the early universe, was accidentally impacted recently. A [statement] from NASA on Wednesday( https://blogs.nasa.gov/webb/2022/06/08/webb-engineered-to-endure-micrometeoroid-impacts/ ) "During the period from May 23 to 25, nasa's jameswebb Space Telescope suffered an impact on one of its main mirror segments," the Chinese said
The impact came from a micro meteorite, and NASA knew that the telescope would encounter this danger in its orbit around the sun. The agency described micro meteorites as "dust sized particles flying at extreme speeds". Engineers designed Weber's golden mirror to handle the particles, but this particular micro meteorite was larger than expected.
NASA sent a key message about the telescope's ability to handle its responsibilities. "After the successful launch, deployment and alignment of the telescope, Weber's performance at the beginning of his life still far exceeded expectations. The observatory is fully capable of completing the scientific tasks it designed." The telescope is still expected to provide its first full-color scientific images on July 12.
Weber is a purposeful over design. Paul Geithner, deputy manager of the Weber team's technical project, said: "we have left performance margin in the design and construction of Weber - optical, thermal, electrical and mechanical - to ensure that it can still perform its ambitious scientific tasks after many years in space. The telescope's mirror can be adjusted to compensate for some distortion caused by the damage of micro meteorites."
Weber has been able to manipulate its optical system to protect it from known meteor showers. "The recent impact was not the result of a meteor shower. It is now considered an inevitable accident," NASA said
Space can be difficult for human made objects. The Webb Space Telescope, a joint project of NASA, ESA, and the Canadian Space Agency, has experienced several smaller micrometeoroid impacts. A dedicated team of engineers is now studying how to deal with the kind of impact Weber experienced in the future.
Space will not become more friendly, and Weber's mission has just begun. Lee Feinberg, component manager of Weber optical telescope, said: "we will use these flight data to update our performance analysis and develop operational methods to ensure that we can improve Weber's imaging performance as much as possible in the coming years."