Chapter
The Challenges and Capabilities of the James Webb Space Telescope
27:20 - 33:14 (05:53)
The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has the potential to detect biosignatures on Earth-like planets, but practical limitations prevent it from dedicating all of its time to that resource, and launch costs are a concern. The use of cheap, lightweight mirrors could create more space-based telescopes to supplement the JWST's capabilities.
Clips
The high cost of launching large mirrors into space can be reduced by the ability to launch large masses, making ground-based mirrors a viable option.
27:20 - 29:15 (01:55)
Summary
The high cost of launching large mirrors into space can be reduced by the ability to launch large masses, making ground-based mirrors a viable option. The successful and cost-effective deployment of space mirrors can significantly revolutionize the future of space exploration.
ChapterThe Challenges and Capabilities of the James Webb Space Telescope
Episode#355 – David Kipping: Alien Civilizations and Habitable Worlds
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has the technical capability to detect biosignatures in Earth-like planets orbiting non-sun-like stars, such as oxygen or methane, but due to limited telescope time and overwhelming demand for it, it would take approximately 200 transits to detect them.
29:15 - 33:14 (03:58)
Summary
The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has the technical capability to detect biosignatures in Earth-like planets orbiting non-sun-like stars, such as oxygen or methane, but due to limited telescope time and overwhelming demand for it, it would take approximately 200 transits to detect them. However, it is possible to construct a space-based telescope by using existing ground-based mirrors.