Review on James Webb Space Telescope’s Mid-Infrared Instrument (JWST-MIRI) Filter Wheel Assembly

Abstract

Space mechanisms require low weight and power consumption. Wheeled mechanisms are best suited for this purpose. One of the most important and complex requirements for mechanisms used in space is high reliability. This is even more critical for cryogenic devices. This article is based on a review of the wheel of the James Webb Space Telescope Mid-Infrared Instrument (JWST-MIRI). This instrument has different filters and masks mounted at the periphery. These filters are used to capture images of deep space. The MIRI captures infrared radiations at higher wavelengths. It will only function at low temperatures (around 7K). If the temperature increases it will capture its own radiation. Therefore, MIRI is designed in such a way that it is passively self-locked and positioned with open loop control. The methodologies for achieving these goals are discussed in this paper.