2012 and Planet X News Blog

For the bikers who prefer Harleys to Hyundais, a sidecar mounted on a motorcycle is not a big thing, but now, space telescopes are getting them. 

What?

Yes, SIDECARS are being mounted on telescopes, both land-based and space-based.  They will not carry passengers as the motorcycle variety does, but will convert analog signals to digital ones.  They will help the telescopes to “see” better.  The first space-based telescope to receive one will be the James Webb Space Telescope.

Amazing Miniaturized ‘SIDECAR’ Drives Webb Telescope’s Signal

02.20.08

Many technologies have become so advanced that they’ve been miniaturized to take up less space and weigh less. That’s what happened to some electronics being built for the James Webb Space Telescope that will convert analog signals to digital signals and provide better images of objects in space when they’re sent to scientists on Earth. The James Webb Space Telescope being built by Northrop Grumman.

The electronic components on the Webb telescope are called “SIDECAR ASIC.” SIDECAR ASIC means “System for Image Digitization, Enhancement, Control And Retrieval Application Specific Integrated Circuit or ASIC. The SIDECAR has been miniaturized from a volume of about one cubic meter (35.3 cubic feet) down to a small circuit that fits in your hand.

To understand what the SIDECAR will do, it’s similar to what is happening to broadcast television signals when they change from broadcasting analog signals to digital signals in February 2009. Like televisions, the Webb telescope is getting several of those “converter boxes.” One benefit digital signals have over analog signals is that digital signals can be easily transmitted and stored.

What big eyes you have, Grandmother!  The better to see you with, my dear!

Catch you on the backside!

Janice Manning

2012 and Planet X Bulletin