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

2023/03/01 by Torsten Böker, T. Böker, T. L. Beck +86 · 181 citations
Engineering · Physics and Astronomy · #Adaptive optics and wavefront sensing #Aerospace engineering #Astronomy #Astronomy and Astrophysical Research #Engineering #Infrared #James Webb Space Telescope #Orbit (dynamics) #Physics #Spectral line #Spectrograph #Spitzer Space Telescope #Stellar, planetary, and galactic studies #Telescope

paper · pdf · doi:10.1088/1538-3873/acb846

published in Publications of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific 135(1045), 038001 (Institute of Physics)

openalex publication_date 2023/03/01 · openalex created_date 2023/03/16 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/04

Abstract

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.

Citations

• Performance of NIRCam on JWST in Flight

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