The Instruments -> FGS- TFI

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The Fine Guidance Sensor (FGS) allows Webb to point precisely, so that it can obtain high-quality images. The FGS was delivered to NASA Goddard in July of 2012.

Learn More About FGS/NIRISS:

The Near Infrared Imager and Slitless Spectrograph part of the FGS/NIRISS will be used to investigate the following science objectives: first light detection, exoplanet detection and characterization, and exoplanet transit spectroscopy. It has a wavelength range of 0.8 to 5.0 microns, and is a specialized instrument with three main modes, each of which addresses a separate wavelength range. FGS is a "guider," which helps point the telescope. 

FGS/NIRISS is being built by the Canadian Space Agency.

Links & Resources:

• The Space Telescope Science Institute has a page on the FGS: http://www.stsci.edu/ngst/instruments/fgs/

• The Space Telescope Science Institute has several pages on the NIRISS: http://www.stsci.edu/jwst/instruments/niriss
  http://www.stsci.edu/jwst/instruments/niriss/niriss-glance
  http://www.stsci.edu/jwst/instruments/niriss/science-with-niriss

View our FGS/NIRISS image gallery and our instrument-related video page.

Watch the Video Snap Shot of the FGS engineering test unit arriving at NASA Goddard: