Second and Third Layers of Sunshield Fully Tightened

[ornotna]

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. The third layer began at 5:48 pm EST, and the process took 71 minutes. In all, the tensioning process from the first steps this morning until the third layer achieved tension took just over five and a half hours.

These three layers are the ones closest to the Sun. Tensioning of the final two layers is planned for tomorrow.

https://blogs.nasa.gov/webb/2022/01/03/second-and-third-layers-of-sunshield-fully-tightened/

[PJMcK]

1. These technologies and systems are brilliant and creative

The scientists, engineers and administrators who are making the JWST a reality are among the greatest collaborators in history. If all continues to go well, this will be one of our supreme achievements in knowledge.

[relayerbob]

2. I can't wait

to see the brand new space laser at work. You know, it's so powerful they had to put it a million miles away, and I heard that one blast will make the earth tip right over!!

[lastlib]

5. TWO blasts will flatten the earth! (oh, wait.......)

Hey, I think we might be on to something here! All those hexagon shapes in the mirror--put little triangles on each side of them, and they would make little stars of David; so that would make it a JEWISH space laser.......Hmmmm--and *THEY* aren't telling us that part of the plan...!! It's a Death Star!

I THINK we've got it figured out!


- - - - - - - - -

[relayerbob]

6. Bingo!

[CousinIT]

3. Best site for tracking the progress of of the James Webb telescope:

https://webb.nasa.gov/content/webbLaunch/whereIsWebb.html

[Baked Potato]

4. Such a magnificent accomplishment! Hope I live long enough to

see some images of the beginnings.

[Gore1FL]

7. All 5 are done, now!

Next Up: Secondary Mirror Deployment!

[ornotna]

8. Excellent

Science!