NASA's Next Big Thing: The James Webb Telescope
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}A full-scale model of the James Webb Space Telescope was built by the prime contractor, Northrop Grumman, to provide a better understanding of the size, scale and complexity of this satellite. The model is constructed mainly of aluminum and steel, weighs 12,000 lb., and is approximately 80 feet long, 40 feet wide and 40 feet tall. The model requires 2 trucks to ship and assembly takes a crew of 12 approximately four days. (EADS Astrium)
A full-scale model of the James Webb Space Telescope was built by the prime contractor, Northrop Grumman, to provide a better understanding of the size, scale and complexity of this satellite. The model is constructed mainly of aluminum and steel, weighs 12,000 lb., and is approximately 80 feet long, 40 feet wide and 40 feet tall. The model requires 2 trucks to ship and assembly takes a crew of 12 approximately four days. ( EADS Astrium)
A September 2009 artist's conception of the next-generation space scope. (NASA)
A September 2007 artist's conception of NASA's next-gen space scope, set to launch in 2014. (NASA)
A September 2009 artist's conception of the next-generation JWST space scope. (NASA)
Fully functional, 1/6th scale model of the James Webb Space Telescope mirror in NASA's optics testbed. (NASA)
Fully functional, 1/6th scale model of the James Webb Space Telescope mirror in NASA's optics testbed. (NASA)
Six of the 18 mirror segments are prepped to move into the X-ray and Cryogenic Facility at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala., to eventually experience temperatures dipping to a chilling -414 degrees Fahrenheit -- ensuring they can withstand the extreme space environments. The test chamber takes approximately five days to cool a mirror segment to cryogenic temperatures. (NASA/MSFC/Emmett Givens )
Six of the 18 mirror segments are prepped to move into the X-ray and Cryogenic Facility at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala., to eventually experience temperatures dipping to a chilling -414 degrees Fahrenheit -- ensuring they can withstand the extreme space environments. The test chamber takes approximately five days to cool a mirror segment to cryogenic temperatures. (NASA/MSFC/Emmett Givens )
Six of the 18 mirror segments are prepped to move into the X-ray and Cryogenic Facility at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala., to eventually experience temperatures dipping to a chilling -414 degrees Fahrenheit -- ensuring they can withstand the extreme space environments. The test chamber takes approximately five days to cool a mirror segment to cryogenic temperatures. (NASA/MSFC/Emmett Givens )