NASA's James Webb Space Telescope Damaged by Micrometeoroid Impact

NASA has released images of the James Webb Space Telescope taken after a micrometeoroid impact that occurred between May 22 and 24, reports Space.com. The photo shows visible damage to one of the telescope's mirror segments.

Considering the expected lifespan of the instruments, the telescope is designed to operate for 20 years. Scientists studying the impact of the micrometeoroid on the telescope are uncertain about the potential consequences.