Webb Telescope Spacecraft Diagram

Overview

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is a space observatory developed by NASA in collaboration with ESA (European Space Agency) and CSA (Canadian Space Agency). It is operated by the Space Telescope Science Institute.

Key Features

• Release Date: May 31, 2018
• Image Credits: STScI, NASA, ESA, CSA

Structure of the Webb Telescope

Cold Side

• Primary Mirror

  • Composed of 18 hexagonal segments made of beryllium, coated with gold.
  • Segments work together as a single 6.5-meter mirror.
  • Mounted on hexapods with actuators for fine adjustments.
  • Additional actuator for curvature control.

• Secondary Mirror

  • Reflects light from the primary mirror to science instruments.
  • Supported by three mirror support struts.
  • Moveable for focusing.

• Aft-Optics Subsystem

  • Contains the fixed tertiary and fine steering mirrors.
  • Features a central baffle to prevent stray light.

• Integrated Science Instrument Module (ISIM)

  • Houses Webb's four science instruments.

Sunshield

• Consists of five Kapton-based layers.
• Protects mirrors and instruments from infrared radiation from the Sun, Earth, and Moon.

Hot Side

• Solar Panel

  • Converts sunlight into electricity.

• High Gain Antenna

  • Main data communication means with Earth.

• Star Trackers

  • Use guide stars for coarse pointing.
  • Assist the alignment and control system.

• Spacecraft Bus

  • Provides support functions for operations.
  • Contains major subsystems: Electrical Power, Altitude Control, Communication, Command and Data Handling, Propulsion, and Thermal Control.

• Momentum Trim Tab

  • Balances pressure on the sunshield from sunlight.
  • Works like a trim flap in sailing (non-adjustable on orbit).

Diagram Description

• The diagram divides the telescope into its cold and hot sides.
• Cold Side Details: Primary and secondary mirrors, sunshield, and ISIM.
• Hot Side Details: Sunshield, spacecraft bus, star trackers, momentum trim tab, solar panel, and high gain antenna.

Image Descriptions

• Images show Webb Telescope from different angles, highlighting different components and their functions.

Additional Resources

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