James Webb Space Telescope Flight Telescope Structure
This is a rear view of the actual telescope structure of the James Space Space Telescope spacecraft. This is also the flight structure, not a test article. The photo shows some of the different parts of the telescope structure. In this view, the Backplane Support Fixture (BSF) is visible. The BSF is the backbone of the observatory, is the primary load carrying structure for launch, and holds the science instruments. The yellow structure is a mass simulator for the telescope's science instrument model (Integrated Science Instrument Module, or ISIM), which was installed for modal testing of the telescope structure. The stowed Deployable Tower Assembly (DTA) is seen to the left of the standing figure. The DTA is designed to raise the telescope structure off the spacecraft bus after launch.
Credit: Northrop Grumman
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