By Aazam
The James Webb Space Telescope's Supercooled Camera MIRI is back in full science mode.
Scientists were forced to withhold some observations after a technical problem with its grating wheel.
The grating wheel on the Medium Resolution Spectrometer of the James Webb Space Telescope's Mid-Infrared instrument allows astronomers to select which.
What is the wavelength of light to observe the surrounding universe? The wheel, which is used in only one of MIRI's four observation modes.
It began showing signs of friction in August, forcing the mission team to suspend observations in the affected mode.
After weeks of remote investigation, engineers concluded that the problem was caused by "increased contact forces between sub-components of the wheel central bearing assembly under certain conditions".
The Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) in Baltimore, which is responsible for Webb's operations, said in a statement.
In a statement, STSCI said that the engineers have now given the green light to resume the operation of the affected spectroscopy mode.
MIRI's other three observation modes – imaging, coronagraphic imaging and low-resolution spectroscopy – continued as normal during the MRS outage.
The SuperCold Camera has demonstrated its powers with several stunning images, including a snap of the iconic Pillars of Creation.