Webb sunshield tensioning. Credit: NASAs Goddard Space Flight Center Conceptual Image Lab
The Webb group has completed tensioning for the first 3 layers of the observatorys kite-shaped sunshield, 47 feet throughout and 70 feet long.
The first layer– pulled totally tight into its last setup– was finished mid-afternoon.
The team started the 2nd layer at 4:09 pm EST today, and the procedure took 74 minutes. The third layer began at 5:48 pm EST, and the procedure took 71 minutes. In all, the tensioning process from the primary steps this morning until the third layer achieved stress took simply over five and a half hours.
By NASA
January 3, 2022
In all, the tensioning procedure from the first actions this early morning till the 3rd layer achieved stress took just over 5 and a half hours.
These 3 layers are the ones closest to the Sun. Tensioning of the last 2 layers is planned for tomorrow.
” The membrane tensioning stage of sunshield implementation is especially difficult due to the fact that there are complex interactions in between the structures, the tensioning systems, the cables and the membranes,” stated James Cooper, NASAs Webb sunshield supervisor, based at Goddard Space Flight. “This was the hardest part to evaluate on the ground, so it feels incredible to have everything go so well today. The Northrop and NASA team is doing terrific work, and we eagerly anticipate tensioning the remaining layers.”
Once fully deployed, the sunshield will secure the telescope from the Suns radiation. It will reach a maximum of roughly 383K, around 230 degrees F, while keeping the instruments cold at a minimum of around 36K or around -394 degrees F.
” The membrane tensioning stage of sunshield implementation is specifically difficult due to the fact that there are complex interactions in between the structures, the tensioning mechanisms, the cables and the membranes,” said James Cooper, NASAs Webb sunshield supervisor, based at Goddard Space Flight. The Northrop and NASA group is doing terrific work, and we look forward to tensioning the staying layers.”