Which space agency designed JWST's FGS/NIRISS instrument?

The Canadian Space Agency designed JWST's FGS/NIRISS instrument.

FGS/NIRISS combines two functions in one package. The Fine Guidance Sensor helps Webb lock onto guide stars and maintain extremely precise pointing, while NIRISS—the Near Infrared Imager and Slitless Spectrograph—conducts scientific observations. Although physically combined, the guidance and science instruments are optically separate.

Canada led the instrument's design, and Honeywell built it as part of the international Webb partnership involving NASA and the European Space Agency. NIRISS observes infrared wavelengths from about 0.8 to 5.0 microns and supports imaging, slitless spectroscopy, and aperture-masking interferometry.

A common mix-up is to credit NASA or ESA simply because Webb is an international mission led by NASA. Canada supplied several major contributions, including FGS/NIRISS and the observatory's cryogenic optical components. The instrument is especially important for studying exoplanet atmospheres and distant galaxies.