In-orbit Performance of the Near-infrared Spectrograph NIRSpec on the James Webb Space Telescope

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Abstract

The Near-Infrared Spectrograph (NIRSpec) is one of the four focal plane instruments on the James Webb Space Telescope. In this paper, we summarize the in-orbit performance of NIRSpec, as derived from data collected during its commissioning campaign and the first few months of nominal science operations. More specifically, we discuss the performance of some critical hardware components such as the two NIRSpec Hawaii-2RG detectors, wheel mechanisms, and the microshutter array. We also summarize the accuracy of the two target acquisition procedures used to accurately place science targets into the slit apertures, discuss the current status of the spectrophotometric and wavelength calibration of NIRSpec spectra, and provide the “as measured” sensitivity in all NIRSpec science modes. Finally, we point out a few important considerations for the preparation of NIRSpec science programs.

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The Near-Infrared Spectrograph (NIRSpec) on the James Webb Space Telescope : I. Overview of the instrument and its capabilities

P. Jakobsen, P. Ferruit, C. Alves de Oliveira … (2022)

We provide an overview of the design and capabilities of the near-infrared spectrograph (NIRSpec) onboard the James Webb Space Telescope. NIRSpec is designed to be capable of carrying out low-resolution ( R = 30−330) prism spectroscopy over the wavelength range 0.6–5.3 μm and higher resolution ( R = 500−1340 or R = 1320−3600) grating spectroscopy over 0.7–5.2 μm, both in single-object mode employing any one of five fixed slits, or a 3.1 × 3.2 arcsec 2 integral field unit, or in multiobject mode employing a novel programmable micro-shutter device covering a 3.6 × 3.4 arcmin 2 field of view. The all-reflective optical chain of NIRSpec and the performance of its different components are described, and some of the trade-offs made in designing the instrument are touched upon. The faint-end spectrophotometric sensitivity expected of NIRSpec, as well as its dependency on the energetic particle environment that its two detector arrays are likely to be subjected to in orbit are also discussed.

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The Science Performance of JWST as Characterized in Commissioning

Jane Rigby, Marshall Perrin, Michael McElwain … (2023)

This paper characterizes the actual science performance of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), as determined from the six month commissioning period. We summarize the performance of the spacecraft, telescope, science instruments, and ground system, with an emphasis on differences from pre-launch expectations. Commissioning has made clear that JWST is fully capable of achieving the discoveries for which it was built. Moreover, almost across the board, the science performance of JWST is better than expected; in most cases, JWST will go deeper faster than expected. The telescope and instrument suite have demonstrated the sensitivity, stability, image quality, and spectral range that are necessary to transform our understanding of the cosmos through observations spanning from near-earth asteroids to the most distant galaxies.

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Performance of NIRCam on JWST in Flight

Marcia J. Rieke, Douglas M. Kelly, Karl Misselt … (2023)

The Near Infrared Camera for the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is delivering the imagery that astronomers have hoped for ever since JWST was proposed back in the 1990s. In the Commissioning Period that extended from right after launch to early 2022 July, NIRCam has been subjected to a number of performance tests and operational checks. The camera is exceeding prelaunch expectations in virtually all areas, with very few surprises discovered in flight. NIRCam also delivered the imagery needed by the Wavefront Sensing Team for use in aligning the telescope mirror segments.