Meteoroid Hit Does Irreparable Damage to James Webb Telescope

NASA’s James Webb Telescope has faced lots of turbulence since its launch into space in December 2021. The telescope was designed to withstand some hits by space objects, which it has had to 19 times already. One of the recent rocks that hit the telescope left some uncorrectable damage to one of the telescope’s 18 mirrors.

The rock appears to have hit a mirror on the bottom right of the surface, and has left a white dent on the gold plated mirrors. It is likely that the rock hit between May 23 and 25, but it has not caused a change in the functioning of the telescope. The telescope has been able to withstand more than the scientists had expected, and is exceeding expectations regarding its performance.