JWST is fine. It’s not going anywhere, and unless it is purposefully destroyed it will keep sending us data.
The NASA Deep Space Network collects it and distributes it, but Europe could just as easily set up their own interface to receive the data. DSN was already in place, so it made sense to keep using it.
I’m super worried about JWST… It’s been absolutely amazing so far, and that fucker might just fucking axe it.
JWST is fine. It’s not going anywhere, and unless it is purposefully destroyed it will keep sending us data.
The NASA Deep Space Network collects it and distributes it, but Europe could just as easily set up their own interface to receive the data. DSN was already in place, so it made sense to keep using it.
2 out of the 3 DSN locations aren’t even in the US or managed by NASA.
Also, fun fact, the Canberra complex has the only antenna that can communicate with Voyager 2!
I mean, it’s already up there and there’s no docking port for future service missions.
A lot of countries contributed to JWST, if the US drops it, someone else will pay people to keep it in orbit.