the instruments that operate the infrared spectrum need to be extremely cold, about a0 degrees above absolute zero and it can only do that when they are out there at that low branch point, that stable point so can stay there and operate for many years using a minimum amount of fuel. it blocks the sun and, for the most part, a little bit of sunlight to get through to the solar panel but most of it is blocked and that way you can keep extremely cold because that is the only where the instruments can operate. i the instruments can operate. i am sure you are dying for that to start but i presume it takes a while, nonetheless before they can actually put the telescope into operation, as it were. it telescope into operation, as it were. ., , were. it does. i saw the telesc0pe _ were. it does. i saw the telescope myself - were. it does. i saw the telescope myself five i were. it does. i saw the . telescope myself five years were. it does. i saw the - telescope myself five years ago when they were building it with the mirrors installed but those mirrors are not functioning as one unit right now they all need to be aligned. they were just released from launch locks