NASA's Webb Telescope Extends a Wing
The primary mirror of NASA's James Webb Space Telescope is made up of 18 hexagonal segments that when combined are 6.5 meters (21 feet 4 inches) across. In this photo only 15 of the 18 segments are showing. The three segments on each side of the primary mirror actually fold back, so that the telescope will fit into its launch vehicle. In this photo, one wing is extended, and the other is folded back.
The picture was taken in a clean room at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland.
The James Webb Space Telescope is the scientific successor to NASA's Hubble Space Telescope. It will be the most powerful space telescope ever built. Webb is an international project led by NASA with its partners, ESA (European Space Agency) and the Canadian Space Agency.
For more information about the Webb telescope visit: www.jwst.nasa.gov or www.nasa.gov/webb
Image credit: NASA/Desiree Stover
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