The hidden engineering required to unfold a giant space telescope
In short: To reach orbit, the James Webb Space Telescope had to be launched in a folded state. This video explores the complex mechanical frame designed to unfurl its mirror and align 18 individual segments into one perfect focus.
The James Webb Space Telescope features a massive primary mirror composed of 18 distinct segments. Because these components are too large to fit inside a standard rocket, they were designed to be folded during launch and deployed in space.
Engineers developed a specialized frame at the back of the mirror to manage this transition. This mechanism is responsible for adjusting each segment to ensure the telescope achieves a single, precise focus once it reaches its destination.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Got Your Back
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