The Webb team has completed tensioning for the first three layers of the observatory's kite-shaped sunshield, 47 feet across and 70 feet long. The first layer – pulled fully taut into its final configuration – was completed mid-afternoon. The team began the second layer at 4:09 pm EST today, and the process took 74 minutes. …
Today, at 3:48 pm EST, the Webb team finished tensioning the first layer of the observatory's sunshield– that is, tightening it into its final, completely taut position. This is the first of five layers that will each be tightened in turn over the next two to three days, until the observatory's sunshield is fully deployed. …
The Webb mission operations team began the first steps in the process of tensioning the first layer of Webb's sunshield this morning around 10 a.m. EST. It will take the team two to three days to tension the five-layer sunshield. The plan for today is to focus on the first layer, the largest and the …
Taking advantage of its flexible commissioning schedule, the Webb team has decided to focus today on optimizing Webb's power systems while learning more about how the observatory behaves in space. As a result, the Webb mission operations team has moved the beginning of sunshield tensioning activities to no earlier than tomorrow, Monday, Jan. 3. This will ensure Webb is in prime condition to begin the next major deployment step in its unfolding process. …
Work on the deployment of Webb's sunshield mid-booms went late into the night yesterday. Webb mission management decided this morning to pause deployment activities for today and allow the team to rest and prepare to begin Webb's sunshield tensioning tomorrow, Sunday, Jan. 2. That deployment is still expected to take place over at least two …
With the successful extension of Webb's second sunshield mid-boom, the observatory has passed another critical deployment milestone. Webb's sunshield now resembles its full, kite-shaped form in space. Engineers began to deploy the second (starboard) mid-boom at 6:31 p.m. EST and completed the process at about 10:13 p.m. EST. The completion of the sunshield cover and …
The Webb mission operations team has extended the first of the sunshield's two "arms" – the port (left side) mid-boom. The critical step of the port mid-boom deployment was scheduled to begin earlier in the day. However, the team paused work to confirm that the sunshield cover had fully rolled up as the final preparatory …
Webb's engineers have released and rolled up the sunshield covers that protected the thin layers of Webb's sunshield during launch. After the team electrically activated release devices to release the covers, they executed commands to roll the covers up into a holding position, exposing Webb's sunshield membranes to space for the first time. The deployment, …
Shortly after 9 a.m. EST today, the Webb team completed deployment of the observatory's aft momentum flap. In a process that took about eight minutes, engineers released the flap's hold-down devices, and a spring brought the flap into its final position. The aft momentum flap helps minimize the fuel engineers will need to use throughout …
