The blog by Caty Fairclough explores how advanced simulation tools are playing a critical role in enabling next-generation space telescope missions — the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) and the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope.
Since both telescopes operate at the Sun-Earth Lagrange Point (L2), approximately a million miles from Earth where servicing is highly impractical, thorough pre-launch engineering validation is essential. Ansys simulation tools are used to evaluate performance and reduce design risk before launch:
- Zemax OpticStudio for optical system design and mirror alignment verification
- Thermal Desktop for simulating heat-sensitive instrument behavior
- Ansys Mechanical for structural analysis and mirror pointing precision
- Ansys STK & ODTK for flight dynamics and trajectory design
As the blog highlights, space missions allow little room for error, and simulation plays a critical role in validating telescope designs, supporting informed engineering decisions before launch.
Image courtesy: Ansys