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Explore Smithsonian: How Are Optical Instruments Tested Before Space Flight?

Explore Smithsonian: How Are Optical Instruments Tested Before Space Flight?

Telescopes have mirrors that help them gather light, but the challenge of modern telescopes is getting the mirrors to bend and move to collect the most light. Discover how Smithsonian researchers are making their own mirrors, and testing them, to go into space.

This video was funded under the Investing in Innovation (i3) validation grant (U396B100097) awarded to the Smithsonian Science Education Center (SSEC) by the U.S. Department of Education. The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations contained in this work do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Education or other funders.