The James Webb Space Telescope is controlled by JavaScript
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The IT news site The Verge reports that the James Webb Space Telescope , which was launched in December 2021 and began operation in July 2022, is controlled by JavaScript.
Status of the James Webb Space Telescope Integrated Science Instrument Module System
(PDF file) https://www.jwst.nasa.gov/resources/ISIMmanuscript.pdf
JavaScript had a hand in delivering James Webb Space Telescope's images - The Verge
https://www.theverge.com/2022/8/18/23206110/james-webb-space-telescope-javascript-jwst-instrument-control
According to the James Webb Space Telescope's Integrated Science Instrument Module (ISIM) manual published by NASA, the ISIM software is controlled by a 'script processor task (SP).' It will execute a script written in JavaScript in response to a command.
The James Webb Space Telescope has many pre-written scripts to perform specific tasks, and scientists on Earth can send instructions to the James Webb Space Telescope through this script. This sent instruction is written in JavaScript and seems to be interpreted by the script processor built into the James Webb Space Telescope. NASA calls the script that controls the ISIM process 'the heart of the James Webb Space Telescope.'
According to NASA, some of the scripts built into the James Webb Space Telescope use a language called Nombas ScriptEase 5.00e. This Nombas ScriptEase is the ancestor of JavaScript, and the last update is January 2003, which is a fairly old language system. The Verge said, 'It seems strange that such an important and obviously expensive scientific instrument, the James Webb Space Telescope, is controlled by a very old version of technology.'
The James Webb Space Telescope was originally launched at the end of 2021, but the design project began in 1989. Nombas ScriptEase 5.00e was a relatively new technology even in 2004, when construction of the telescope began, so it is also used in the James Webb Space Telescope.
The ISIM manual itself was written in 2011, and a paper on script system design for the James Webb Space Telescope was published in 2006. Since such projects can be advanced over decades, it seems that it is often the case that the latest technology at the beginning of the project becomes obsolete by the time it is completed.
As to why JavaScript was chosen, NASA said, ``It provides greater visibility, control and flexibility in operating the telescope, and allows easier script editing while learning the effects and subtleties of instrument operation.'' explains. If you want to make changes to the script, test it many times on the ground and send it to the James Webb Space Telescope OK. It seems that it is a big advantage that correction is easy and errors are unlikely to occur.
by NASA's James Webb Space Telescope
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