Search arXiv⌕ Search
Home/Archive/arXiv

arXiv · 2606.04977

An update to Allocating Time on Scientific Platforms in Outer Space using five cycles of JWST General Observer programs

Christopher Williams
View original source ↗Read source document ↗Export metadata ↓

Abstract

Allocating Time on Scientific Platforms in Outer Space (Williams, 2025 in Research Policy) explored time allocated to astronomers to use the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). It was based on data from the first three Cycles of General Observer (GO) programs (2022, 2023 and 2024) and used multi-variable regression modelling. Analysis provided support for progress towards reducing bias in time allocation decisions in terms of Principal Investigator (PI) gen-der, institution and country. It also provided strong evidence that higher time allocation is linked to larger teams and data non-exclusivity. However, a question was raised concerning a possible swing towards long-standing PI gender bias as the Cycles progressed, i.e., that equality might only be temporary. In addition, the possibility of a Trump-era effect on time allocation bias towards USA PIs could not be tested as data predated 2025. Furthermore, changes in telescope allocation committee policy and the potential effect of telescope overhead changes were not fully assessed. The current research note provides an update by using the latest Cycles and expands the sample to Cycles 1 to 5 (n=1208 JWST programs) to provide tentative answers to these unresolved issues. While there is strong support to the overall findings for Cycles 1 to 3, we now note the emergence of USA PI and prior JWST experience as positive determinants of time allocation in regression models. The updated analysis also provides new insights concerning bias in the extra-galactic scientific categories.

Explore related subjects

astro-ph.IM

Keep this discovery

Explore connections, maps & timelines

BibTeXRIS

Christopher Williams. 2026-06-03. An update to Allocating Time on Scientific Platforms in Outer Space using five cycles of JWST General Observer programs. https://arxiv.org/abs/2606.04977

Cite the original work for its findings. Save a collection to share your selection of sources.

KEEP EXPLORING

Related papers

arXiv2026

Performance characterization of a new Structural and Thermal Architecture for a future spaceborne Closed-Cycle Dilution Refrigerator

A Structural and Thermal Model (STM) has been developed to support the new spaceborne Closed-Cycle Dilution Refrigerator (CCDR), which aims to provide continuous cooling at 100~mK for long-duration astrophysical missions. The STM is based on a hexapod architecture that ensures both thermal decoupling and mechanical robustness during launch. In this paper, we present the characterization of its thermal and mechanical performances. A dedicated experimental setup was used to investigate the thermal behavior of the STM across a broad temperature range. The study reveals limitations of the collar design, with incomplete power interception from thermal boundary resistances and vibration test failure traced to defective strut gluing. These results guide the next STM iteration with optimized collar and strut assembly for reliable CCDR operation in space.

astro-ph.IM↗
arXiv2026

The Simons Observatory: Development of a Pipeline to Detect Rapid Transients in Time-Ordered Data

We introduce a method for detecting astrophysical transients evolving on timescales of milliseconds to minutes using cosmic microwave background (CMB) survey telescopes. While previous transient searches in CMB data operate in map space, our pipeline directly processes the raw time-ordered data, enabling sensitivity to fast, dynamic signals. We integrate our detection approach into the Simons Observatory time-domain pipeline and assess the performance by injecting symmetric, stellar flare-like light curves into simulated observations. For events flaring with a timescale of 0.5 s, the pipeline detects $\gtrsim90$ % of events at flux densities of 800, 1150, 1650, and 4250\,mJy when measured in the 93, 145, 225, and 280 GHz bands respectively. At a fixed peak flux density, the pipeline more readily detects longer flares. The limiting flux density for 90 % completeness is four times lower for a $\ge5$ s flare than for a 0.5 s flare, while the flux density limits for $\gtrsim50$ % detection efficiency are comparable to the rms noise of the time-ordered data. We are able to determine the position of detected events in each observing band, with a positional uncertainty at the detection threshold comparable to the telescope resolution at that band. These results demonstrate the readiness of this pipeline for incorporation into upcoming Simons Observatory data analyses.

astro-ph.IM↗
arXiv2026

Thermal conductivity of various CFRPs from 100 mK to 20 K

Carbon-fiber-reinforced polymers (CFRPs) are some of the most useful materials for building spacecraft and aerospace tools. They are especially valuable for systems that work at extremely cold (cryogenic) temperatures because they are strong, lightweight, and don't transfer heat easily. In this study, researchers measured how well heat moves through several different types of carbon fiber samples, specifically T300, T700, HS40, M55J, and IMA, at different fiber layouts and densities. These measurements were taken at ultra-cold temperatures ranging from 100 mK to 20 K. The team used a newly developed analysis method to calculate the thermal conductivity for each sample. Finally, they shared how each material behaved at different temperatures and compared their findings to previous research.

astro-ph.IM↗