James Webb Space Telescope – Engineering images
The Cryocooler Electronics during testing.
![Cryocooler Electronics](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/cryocooler-cryocoolerelectronics.jpg?w=4096&format=jpeg)
The Cryocooler Compressor Assembly. This photo shows the flight cryocooler installed "upside-down" in a vacuum chamber for testing, before the...
![Cryocooler Compressor Assembly](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/cryocooler-cca.jpg?w=4096&format=jpeg)
The cooling device for the Mid-Infrared Instrument, or MIRI, one of the James Webb Space Telescope's four instruments. The MIRI...
![Webb's Cryocooler](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/cryocooler-27433983430-74355aa30c-b.jpg?w=4096&format=jpeg)
The MIRI instrument. MIRI's operates at temperatures of no more than 6.7 degrees above absolute zero, or minus 448 degrees...
![NASA's MIRI Instrument Gets Clean Bill of Health](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/cryocooler-7338266148-968cf8d55c-c.jpg?w=4096&format=jpeg)
This image shows an engineer in a cleanroom looking at one of the sunshield layers that shows a grid pattern...
![A layer of the James Webb Space Telescope's flight sunshield](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/coating-27881087195-ba97033b29-b.jpg?w=4096&format=jpeg)
On orbit, the observatory is pointed so that the sun, Earth and moon are always on one side, with the...
![The James Webb Space Telescope's Sunshield](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/coating-15414105352-ab0b580748-b.jpg?w=4096&format=jpeg)
The sunshield's membrane layers, each as thin as a human hair, are made of Kapton, a tough, high-performance plastic coated...
![The James Webb Space Telescope's Sunshield Membrane](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/coating-6189304429-f4a2362c77-b.jpg?w=4096&format=jpeg)
The SIDECAR(TM), or System Image, Digitizing, Enhancing, Controlling and Retrieving ASIC performs high-fidelity A-to-D signal conversion at cryogenic temperatures.
![Cryo ASIC, by Rockwell](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/circuit-tech5.jpg?w=4096&format=jpeg)
Engineers inspect NASA's James Webb Space Telescope as it sits inside Chamber A at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston....
![Webb after cryogenic testing at JSC](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/circuit-37831187984-1471978cc4-b.jpg?w=4096&format=jpeg)
A screenshot from the James Webb Space Telescope "Webbcam" showing the test chamber that Webb telescope had been sealed within,...
![Webb during cryogenic testing at JSC with approximated chamber temperature indicated at -423.670 degrees F or 20 degrees Kelvin](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/circuit-23906129088-24040ce516-b.jpg?w=4096&format=jpeg)
A crane lifts the flight instruments of the James Webb Space Telescope from the Goddard thermal vacuum chamber where it...
![ISIM in Thermal Vac at GSFC](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/circuit-15602707055-6691abe736-b.jpg?w=4096&format=jpeg)
![Webb Instruments and their detectors](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/detectors-detectortable1.jpg?w=4096&format=jpeg)
This figure shows four 0.6 - 2.5 μm James Webb Space Telescope NIRCam H2RGs mounted into a focal plane module....
![James Webb Space Telescope NIRCam H2RGs](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/detectors-25126485151-d358eba5b1.jpg?w=4096&format=jpeg)
A James Webb Space Telescope Near Infrared Camera (NIRCam) detector with optical baffles removed. Light is collected in the purple...
![Near Infrared Camera (NIRCam) detector](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/detectors-24852004939-5ebdd7fcfb-b.jpg?w=4096&format=jpeg)
The James Webb Space Telescope uses infrared detector hybrids. The pixelated absorber layer (HgCdTe or Si:As) absorbs the light and...
![infrared detector hybrids](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/detectors-24593069363-9923912ce5.jpg?w=4096&format=jpeg)
This MIRI detector (green) is housed in a brick-like unit called a focal plane module. It has a 1024x1024 pixel...
![This MIRI detector](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/detectors-4813321160-e4a5efa235-z.jpg?w=4096&format=jpeg)
Another view of the 1/6th scale model of the JWST mirror in optics testbed.
![wavefront sensing and control testbed](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/wavefront-mirrortest.jpg?w=4096&format=jpeg)
Alternative view of the 1/6th scale model of the JWST mirror in optics testbed.
![Webb Optics Testbed](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/wavefront-23810296101-de537b32f6-o.jpg?w=4096&format=jpeg)
Fully functional, 1/6th scale model of the JWST mirror in its optics testbed used to develop wavefront sensing and control.
![Webb Optics Testbed 2](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/wavefront-23597104830-34a8baf476-o.jpg?w=4096&format=jpeg)
This abstract image was a preview of the instrumental power that was unleashed now that the James Webb Space Telescope...
![microshutter testing image](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/microshutters-42710268032-a99d3cfe36-o.jpg?w=4096&format=jpeg)
One of the four array quadrants of the microshutter device is about the size of a postage stamp. Each quadrant...
![entire microshutter device](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/microshutters-4812967588-3e92d4d0c3-o.jpg?w=4096&format=jpeg)
An array of microshutters on the James Webb Space Telescope's NIRSpec instrument.
![An array of microshutters.](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/microshutters-4812343109-37bebd9200-o.jpg?w=4096&format=jpeg)
The entire microshutter device consists of approximately 250,000 individual windows with shutters arrayed in a waffle-like grid.
![entire microshutter device](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/microshutters-4812967834-7d71238c0a.jpg?w=4096&format=jpeg)
Arianespace's Ariane 5 rocket launches with NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope onboard, Saturday, Dec. 25, 2021, from the ELA-3 Launch...
![Webb launches on a cloudy day from an Arianne 5 rocket. The image shows the rocket just lifting off the pad with a plume of orange fire and a plume grey blue smoke extending well to the right against a slate blue sky.](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/51786411542-c98ca98fa7-k.jpg?w=4096&format=jpeg)
The FGS/NIRISS at NASA Goddard before integration into the instrument module.
![Webb Telescope's Fine Guidance Sensor Gets Lots of Guidance](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/7748605238-cb6ebb3e0d-b.jpg?w=4096&format=jpeg)
Montage of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) in it's folded and stowed launch configuration inside the nose cone of...
![Montage or Webb (JWST) in it's folded and stowed launch configuration inside the nose cone of an Ariane 5 rocket.](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/wt-ariane5-launch.jpg?w=4096&format=jpeg)
Webb's sunshield is positioned between the Sun/Earth/Moon and the telescope. Webb's orbit at L2.
![Diagram (not to scale) of Lagrange points L1, L2, L3, L4, and L5 relative to the sun and the earth. An illustration of JWST is shown orbiting the L2 Lagrange point.](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/l2.jpg?w=4096&format=jpeg)
The sunshield protects the telescope from external sources of light and heat (like the Sun, Earth, and Moon).
![An illustration of the James Webb Space Telescope with the following items labelled and identified: the Optical Telescope Element (OTE) Primary Mirror, OTE Secondary Mirror, the Backplane, ISIM (Integrated Science Instrument Module), the Sunshield, the Spacecraft Bus, and the Startrackers.](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/jwst-front-view.jpg?w=4096&format=jpeg)
The Brush Wellman team and the mirror blanks.
![An image of the Mirror Segments and its Brush Wellman team](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/mirror12.jpg?w=4096&format=jpeg)
FGS/NIRISS was built by the Canadian Space Agency.
![FGS engineering diagram"](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/fgs1.jpg?w=4096&format=jpeg)
NIRSpec Engineering Diagram
![NIRSpec Engineering Diagram](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/nirspec-cad-sm.jpg?w=4096&format=jpeg)
James Webb Space Telescope NIRSpec Upgrades Complete!
![From left to right: Ralf Ehrenwinkler (Airbus DS), Frank Merkle (Airbus DS), Kai Hoffmann (Airbus DS), Robert Eder (Airbus DS), Max Speckmaier (Airbus DS) and Maurice te Plate (ESA)](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/16500218037-1e75160524-k.jpg?w=4096&format=jpeg)
NIRSpec's microshutter cells, each approximately as wide as a human hair, have lids that open and close when a magnetic...
![Closeup of microshutter array](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/microshutters1.jpg?w=4096&format=jpeg)
MIRI Engineering Diagram
![MIRI Engineering Diagram](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/miri.jpg?w=4096&format=jpeg)
JWST Team Photo with Completed Flight Instrument module
![JWST Team Photo with Completed Flight Instrument module"](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/webb-jwstteam-photo2.jpg?w=4096&format=jpeg)
Installation of MIRI into the instrument module.
![Key Science Instrument Installed into Webb Structure.](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/webb-keyscienceinstrumentinstalled.jpg?w=4096&format=jpeg)
NIRCam Engineering Diagram
![An image of the NIRCam Engineering Diagram](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/nircam1.jpg?w=4096&format=jpeg)
Group photo of JWST project members with the complete Integrated Science Instrument Module.
![JWST Team Photo with Completed Flight Instrument module](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/13472409915-2d32500c25-3k.jpg?w=4096&format=jpeg)
The flight Near-Infrared Camera was installed into the flight Integrated Science Instrument Module (ISIM) for the James Webb Space Telescope.
![NIRCam being installed into the instrument module.](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/13313063673-7c06d3b53a-3k.jpg?w=4096&format=jpeg)
The NIRCAM operates over a wavelength range of 0.6 to 5 microns.
![An image of Webb's iInstrument infrared sensitivity wavelength ranges.](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/instrumentranges.jpg?w=4096&format=jpeg)
This image shows what the The OTE Consists Of.
![OTE engineering diagram](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ote1.jpg?w=4096&format=jpeg)
The OTIS (OTE+ISIM) out of cryovac chamber at NASA Johnson. The OTIS is an acronym that includes the OTE plus...
![The OTIS out of cryovac chamber at NASA Johnson.](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/webb-ote-isim.jpg?w=4096&format=jpeg)
Engineering Diagram 4 Spacecraft bus"
![Engineering Diagram 4 of the Spacecraft bus"](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/bus4.jpg?w=4096&format=jpeg)
Engineering Diagram 3 Spacecraft bus
![Engineering Diagram 3 of the Spacecraft bus](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/bus3.jpg?w=4096&format=jpeg)
Engineering Diagram 2 Spacecraft bus
![Engineering Diagram 2 of the Spacecraft bus](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/bus2.jpg?w=4096&format=jpeg)
Engineering Diagram 1 Spacecraft bus
![Engineering Diagram 1 of the Spacecraft bus](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/bus1.jpg?w=4096&format=jpeg)
At Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems facilities in Redondo Beach, Calif., integration and test technicians work on a mock-up of the...
![Test technicians work on a mock-up of the James Webb Space Telescope spacecraft bus](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/17018425797-dfcf606961-4k.jpg?w=4096&format=jpeg)
This x-ray diagram of NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope shows where the backplane support frame (BSF) is in relation to...
![Diagram showing the Backplane Support Fixture (BSF)](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/webb-telescopeslastbackbonecomponent.jpg?w=4096&format=jpeg)
The Deployable Tower Array at the base of the telescope structure
![The Deployable Tower Assembly](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/webb-deployabletowerassembly.jpg?w=4096&format=jpeg)
The first mirror is installed on the flight telescope structure
![NASA’s Webb Space Telescope Receives First Mirror Installation](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/webb-firstmirrorinstallation.jpg?w=4096&format=jpeg)
Inside NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center's giant clean room in Greenbelt, Md., JWST Optical Engineer Larkin Carey examines two test...
![Engineer Larkin Carey examines two test mirror segments](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/webb-silvergold.jpg?w=4096&format=jpeg)
The Pathfinder about to be moved into Chamber A for cryo tests.
![JWST Pathfinder in front of Chamber A](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/webb-jwst-pathfinder.jpg?w=4096&format=jpeg)
The completed primary mirror on the flight telescope structure at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. The black covers on the...
![NASA's James Webb Space Telescope Primary Mirror Fully Assembled](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/webb-completedprimarymirror.jpg?w=4096&format=jpeg)
NASA's James Webb Space Telescope, or Webb, emerged from Chamber A at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston on Dec....
![NASA's James Webb Space Telescope combined science instruments and optical element](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/webb-emergedfromchambera-.jpg?w=4096&format=jpeg)
Technicians complete the primary mirror backplane support structure wing assemblies for NASA's James Webb Space Telescope at ATK's Space Components...
![The James Webb Space Telescope gets its wings](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/webb-telescopegetsitswings.jpg?w=4096&format=jpeg)
Engineers at ATK work on the now-completed center section of the "backplane" support structure that will hold Webb's mirror segments
![James Webb Space Telescope Flight Backplane Structure](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/webb-flightbackplanestructure.jpg?w=4096&format=jpeg)
Images from our exciting week in August - opening the shipping crate containing the James Webb Space Telescope's flight backplane,...
![James Webb Space Telescope Telescope Structure Arrival](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/21062763828-34aed63352-b.jpg?w=4096&format=jpeg)
The flight structure of NASA's James Webb Space Telescope was standing tall on a platform in the cleanroom at NASA's...
![NASA's James Webb Space Telescope Structure Stands Tall](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/webb-flighttelescopestructure.jpg?w=4096&format=jpeg)
The back view of James Webb Telescope
![JWST Back view](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/jwst-back-view.jpg?w=4096&format=jpeg)
A rare view of the instruments being lowered into the Webb telescope at NASA/Goddard. Webb's science instruments were installed in...
![ISIM being installed on webb](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/webb-webbtelescopesuccessfullyinstalled.jpg?w=4096&format=jpeg)
A piece of Kapton showing ripstop seaming.
![Kapton for the Sunshield](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/webb-kaptonsunshield.jpg?w=4096&format=jpeg)
The Sunshield on NASA's James Webb Space Telescope is the largest part of the observatory—five layers of thin membrane that...
![NASA's Webb Sunshield Stacks Up to Test!](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/webb-sunshieldstacksup.jpg?w=4096&format=jpeg)
The layers work together to reduce the temperatures between the hot and cold sides of the observatory by approximately 570...
![Final Sunshield Layer Completed for NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/webb-finalsunshieldlayerimage.jpg?w=4096&format=jpeg)
Diagram of Cross-Section of Webb's Five-Layer Sunshield.
![Graphic titled "Cross-Section of Webb's Five-Layer Sunshield" that demonstrates how the layers block the heat of the sun from getting through to the cold side of the telescope.](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/sunshieldcrosssection.jpg?w=4096&format=jpeg)
Stretched out like a silver kite, the five-layer sunshield for NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope sits in a cleanroom at...
![The Flight Sunshield at Northrop Grumman](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/webb-flightsunshield.jpg?w=4096&format=jpeg)
A team of engineers and technicians from NASA and Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp. of Boulder, Colo., prepare to load...
![A team of engineers and technicians put Webb telescope though Mirror Segment Cryogenic Testing](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/4812542975-300eec0c09-b.jpg?w=4096&format=jpeg)
Engineers from Ball Aerospace inspect the first James Webb Space Telescope mirror segment upon its arrival at Marshall Space Flight...
![Primary Mirror Segment Cryogenic Testing](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/4812540849-fc3d96adec-k.jpg?w=4096&format=jpeg)
The engineering design unit primary mirror segment (flight spare) coated in gold by Quantum Coating Incorporated.
![Jame Webb's Gold-coated primary mirror EDU](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/mirror32.jpg?w=4096&format=jpeg)
An engineer stands in front of the gold-coated primary mirror EDU
![An engineer stands in front of the gold-coated primary mirror EDU](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/mirror44.jpg?w=4096&format=jpeg)
The secondary mirror went through a similar process - here it is after being gold-coated by Quantum Coating Incorporated.
![Gold-coated primary mirror EDU](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/new2.jpg?w=4096&format=jpeg)
Technicians and scientists check out one of the Webb telescope's first two flight mirrors in the clean room at NASA's...
![Technicians and scientists are part of the Flight Mirror Segment Inspection](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/8026703960-8fdf7c5c95-3k.jpg?w=4096&format=jpeg)
Four of the finished mirrors that will fly aboard NASA's James Webb Space Telescope arrived at NASA's Goddard Space Flight...
![Webb Telescope Mirror Canisters](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/8230734578-b082ab8b59-4k.jpg?w=4096&format=jpeg)
Engineers and technicians moved the James Webb Space Telescope structure inside the clean room at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center...
![Lifting the James Webb Space Telescope inside cleanroom](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/22349081524-f618215b4a-k.jpg?w=4096&format=jpeg)
Inside the massive clean room at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland the James Webb Space Telescope's telescope...
![James Webb Space Telescope Structure Poised for Mirror Assembly](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/23096804146-faf8ab3bf3-3k.jpg?w=4096&format=jpeg)
Inside a massive clean room at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland the James Webb Space Telescope team...
![The last James Webb Space Telescope Primary Mirror Segment](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/24877166436-22dfbb89fe-b.jpg?w=4096&format=jpeg)
The gold-covered primary mirrors of the James Webb Space Telescope, revealed in the cleanroom at NASA Goddard.
![An image "Goldeneye" view of James Webb Telescope](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/26407128930-326592754e-k.jpg?w=4096&format=jpeg)
Here's a view from overhead of the golden James Webb Space Telescope, with its secondary mirror booms stowed. This is...
![An overhead image of the golden James Webb Space Telescope, with its secondary mirror booms stowed](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/26602405532-980d7f8d4e-b.jpg?w=4096&format=jpeg)
James Webb Space Telescope Mirror Seen in Full Bloom
![NASA technicians lifted the telescope using a crane and moved it inside a clean room at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland.](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/33433274343-2b10df67ed-3k.jpg?w=4096&format=jpeg)
NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope sits inside Chamber A at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston after having completed its...
![Webb sitting inside Chamber A after it completed cryogenic testing.](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/38544426831-8aec6ac99c-k.jpg?w=4096&format=jpeg)
Primary Mirror Segment Engineering Design Unit
![Polished engineering design unit mirror at SSG/Tinsley.](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/4812404931-1b4fb540e1-3k.jpg?w=4096&format=jpeg)
A James Webb Space Telescope primary mirror segment blank. This image shows the back of the mirror blank, which is...
![Primary Mirror Segment Blank](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/4813015114-41a399e1e2-3k.jpg?w=4096&format=jpeg)
The front of an unpolished mirror blank.
![An image of James Webb's Mirror Blank](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/mirrorstory-blank2.jpg?w=4096&format=jpeg)
The Brush Wellman team and the mirror blanks.
![An image of the Mirror Segments and its Brush Wellman team](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/tech3.jpg?w=4096&format=jpeg)
A marble-sized piece of Beryllium.
![An image of a piece of beryllium that is the size of a marble](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/beryllium.jpg?w=4096&format=jpeg)
These diagrams show the back of the mirrors and the actuators.
![The Anatomy of a JWST Mirror](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/13291410214-ae2a9dcea2-h.jpg?w=4096&format=jpeg)
Diagram of the anatomy of a James Webb Space Telescope Mirror.
![An image of the the back of a JWST mirror](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/13291045605-6f989b077b-c.jpg?w=4096&format=jpeg)
Each of Webb's mirrors has an individual designation. A, B, or C denotes which of the three mirror prescriptions a...
![The photos show the flight version of every mirror on the telescope! mirrors](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/6153112843-f89e60437a-b.jpg?w=4096&format=jpeg)
The different colors denote one of three different optical prescriptions for Webb's mirror.
![JWST mirror assembly segment](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/webbb-ote3-1.jpg?w=4096&format=jpeg)
The James Webb Space Telescope is shown with one of its two "wings" folded. Each wing holds three of its...
![webb's primary mirror with one wing folded back.](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/webb-27951127644-88038e502f-b.jpg?w=4096&format=jpeg)
Engineers Matt Macias and Eve Woolridge take a close look at the James Webb Space Telescope's primary mirror at NASA...
![A image of James Webb Space Telescope's primary mirror at NASA Goddard.](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/webb-jwstprimarymirror.jpg?w=4096&format=jpeg)
The world’s most powerful space science telescope has opened its primary mirror for the last time on Earth.
![Webb’s Golden Mirror Wings Open](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/webb-flickr-51172747193-306f3ddb5d-6k-jpg.webp?w=4096&format=png)
In a recent test, NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope fully deployed its primary mirror into the same configuration it will...
![NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope Full Mirror Deployment a Success](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/webb-flickr-49721714093-64ca33fce8-6k-jpg.webp?w=4096&format=png)
During the sunshield folding process for the James Webb Space Telescope, a team of technicians carefully fold each layer in...
![Engineers working on NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/webb-flickr-51102384635-eba9e72372-b-jpg.webp?w=4096&format=png)
In a recent test, NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope fully deployed its primary mirror into the same configuration it will...
![An engineer looks up at the James Webb Space Telescope's Folding MIrrors](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/webb-flickr-49722253141-92fd03d9d0-5k-jpg.webp?w=4096&format=png)
What’s the best way to make a really powerful telescope? Build a big mirror! The James Webb Space Telescope has...
![James Webb Space Telescope Assembled Observatory Full Mirror Deployment Test](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/webb-flickr-49750061963-21e71df282-6k-jpg.webp?w=4096&format=png)
The powerful primary mirrors of the James Webb Space Telescope will be able to detect the light from distant galaxies....
![An image of the powerful primary mirrors of the James Webb Space Telescope](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/webb-flickr-7986258321-27388cc857-3k-jpg.webp?w=4096&format=png)
This is a photo of one of the James Webb Space Telescope's primary mirror segments coated with gold by Quantum...
![A Engineer looks over one of the James Webb Space Telescope's primary mirror segments.](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/webb-flickr-4808870003-8558a2628a-k-jpg.webp?w=4096&format=png)
Ball Aerospace optical technician Scott Murray inspects the first gold primary mirror segment, a critical element of NASA's James Webb...
![An engineer over looks the Gold-coated Primary Mirror Segment of the James Webb Telescope.](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/webb-flickr-4977143360-6b251e58d3-4k-jpg.webp?w=4096&format=png)
NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope, or Webb, emerged from Chamber A at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston on Dec....
![Webb Telescope Emerges from Chamber A After Cryogenic Testing.](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/webb-flickr-25003831358-97389ca971-4k-jpg.webp?w=4096&format=png)
On Saturday, Dec. 11, NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope was secured on top of the Ariane 5 rocket that will...
![Engineer work on as Webb Placed on Top of Ariane 5](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/webb-flickr-51747316505-75f1e6ade5-3k-jpg.webp?w=4096&format=png)
Webb is now in its final series of deployment and checkout tests before the observatory is packed for shipment to...
![NASA’s Webb Sunshield Successfully Unfolds and Tensions in Final Tests](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/webb-flickr-50732869408-2c9611ec17-6k-jpg.webp?w=4096&format=png)
A fully assembled Webb Telescope, propped by support structures, takes up the space inside the Northrop Grumman cleanroom. In the...
![NASA’s Webb Sunshield Successfully Unfolds and Tensions in Final Tests](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/webb-flickr-50732853538-28658a3877-6k-jpg.webp?w=4096&format=png)
With the completion of its latest series of milestone tests, NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope has now survived all of...
![NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope Completes Environmental Testing](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/webb-flickr-50426913558-58563d1ad5-6k-jpg.webp?w=4096&format=png)
This is an archival image from October 2019, when technicians successfully performed a critical test on Webb's 5-layer sunshield by...
![NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope View of October 2019 Sunshield Deployment Testing](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/webb-flickr-50068963377-b5c500f9e7-6k-jpg.webp?w=4096&format=png)
Technicians successfully performed a critical test on Webb's 5-layer sunshield by fully deploying each of its uniquely sized layers to...
![NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope Clears Critical Sunshield Deployment Testing](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/webb-flickr-48937048431-642c23a2ce-6k-jpg.webp?w=4096&format=png)
Technicians successfully performed a critical test on Webb's 5-layer sunshield by fully deploying each of its uniquely sized layers to...
![NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope Clears Critical Sunshield Deployment Testing](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/webb-flickr-48936479373-746104de37-5k-jpg.webp?w=4096&format=png)
The flight structure of NASA's James Webb Space Telescope was standing tall on a platform in the cleanroom at NASA's...
![An engineer stands on a ladder next to NASA's James Webb Space Telescope Structure.](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/webb-flickr-21442235656-c561ab5c00-4k-jpg.webp?w=4096&format=png)
The most powerful and complex space telescope ever created by humankind has achieved its final form as a fully assembled...
![NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope Has Been Assembled for the First Time](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/webb-flickr-48636487393-d154695b07-4k-jpg.webp?w=4096&format=png)
This image was taken at Northrop Grumman. The optical portion of the telescope is complete, seen here, and is being...
![Engineers Prep James Webb Telescope for Integration](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/webb-flickr-47543984121-1f8e7757bc-4k-jpg.webp?w=4096&format=png)
As part of the NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope’s final tests, the 6.5 meter (21 feet 4 inch) mirror was...
![Engineers look on as James Webb’s Golden Mirror Wings Open One Last Time on Earth.](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/webb-flickr-51171849867-87152c7a95-6k-jpg.webp?w=4096&format=png)
A technician examines the backplane pathfinder – a flight-like model of the center section of the Webb telescope backplane used...
![A technician examines the backplane pathfinder](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/webb-flickr-7509965680-bf41137c9f-3k-jpg.webp?w=4096&format=png)
The robotic arm lifts and lowers a golden James Webb Space Telescope flight spare primary mirror segment onto a test...
![Webb Telescope Crew Flexes Robotic Arm at NASA](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/webb-flickr-11073010005-19db442a2e-h-jpg.webp?w=4096&format=png)
Inside a massive clean room at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland the James Webb Space Telescope team...
![The last James Webb Space Telescope Primary Mirror Segment](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/webb-flickr-24877166436-22dfbb89fe-b-jpg.webp?w=4096&format=png)
Walk Out of the James Webb Space Telescope Secondary Mirror Support Structure
![This photo shows the first time that the optically complete telescope (18 primary mirror segments, the secondary mirror, and the Aft Optics Subsystem which contains the tertiary mirror) was placed in a deployed configuration.](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/webb-flickr-25620157436-5520e42bcd-3k-jpg.webp?w=4096&format=png)
NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope has begun its stately rollout to the Arianespace ELA-3 launch complex at Europe’s Spaceport located...
![NASA, Partners Roll Out Webb to Launch Pad](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/webb-flickr-51769316551-7bfc8c02db-3k-jpg.webp?w=4096&format=png)
The telescope is seen hanging from a crane, in the process of being moved over the sunshield.
![This photo from Northrop Grumman's clean room in Redondo Beach, California shows the start of the integration process of the James Webb Space Telescope.](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/webb-flickr-49035458207-aa40008608-4k-jpg.webp?w=4096&format=png)
Technicians and engineers working to ensure the soundness of NASA's James Webb Space Telescope manually lower its folded sunshield layers...
![Technicians Lay NASA's Webb Sunshield Layers Flat for Inspection](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/webb-flickr-41721616220-10f483b8b5-3k-jpg.webp?w=4096&format=png)
James Webb Space Telescope Assembled Observatory Full Mirror Deployment Test
![James Webb telescope duing its Deployment Test](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/webb-flickr-49750061963-4e94e458e9-4k-jpg.webp?w=4096&format=png)
On Friday 17 December, the Ariane 5 rocket fairing was closed around the James Webb Space Telescope. This protective fairing,...
![Webb is encapsulated in its rocket fairing](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/webb-flickr-51760302044-1e0a03f84e-4k-jpg.webp?w=4096&format=png)
James Webb Space Telescope on Launcher
![This image shows the James Webb Space Telescope atop its launch vehicle](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/webb-flickr-51756638171-98e80a94ff-4k-jpg.webp?w=4096&format=png)
Archival Image: Webb's Mirror in the Goddard Cleanroom
![Archival image of the James Webb Space Telescope's mirror](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/webb-flickr-51391443339-fbf125c184-3k-jpg.webp?w=4096&format=png)
The James Webb Space Telescope Folds Its Wings
![The James Webb Space Telescope is shown with one of its two “wings" folded.](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/webb-flickr-27951127644-88038e502f-b-jpg.webp?w=4096&format=png)
The James Webb Space Telescope is the first of its kind “open” style telescope that relies on innovative space shielding...
![An engineer looks over he James Webb Space Telescope](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/webb-flickr-32644295117-798f42b05b-4k-jpg.webp?w=4096&format=png)
Engineers Matt Macias and Eve Woolridge take a close look at the James Webb Space Telescope's primary mirror at NASA...
![Low Light James Webb Space Telescope](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/webb-flickr-26504730220-b61ed9fd19-k-jpg.webp?w=4096&format=png)
The world’s most powerful space science telescope has opened its primary mirror for the last time on Earth.
![Webb’s Golden Mirror Wings Open One Last Time on Earth](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/webb-flickr-51171849867-c23f910773-4k-jpg.webp?w=4096&format=png)
The James Webb Space Telescope captured this light curve of the brightness of WASP-96 b’s parent star over time. As...
![NASA’s Webb Reveals Steamy Atmosphere of Distant Planet in Detail](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/webb-flickr-52210532302-c2f2d068a7-4k-jpg.webp?w=4096&format=png)