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After almost ten days of its launch, the James Webb Telescope has finally completed the complex and most-crucial process of deploying its kite-shaped sun-shield in space. While the 70-foot sun-shield would protect the telescope from the light and heat of the sun, deploying its five layers was one of the most important tasks to accomplish. The sun-shield which is reported to be the size of a tennis court had taken off with five folded layers which were successfully deployed last night. NASA confirmed the news by dropping a press release on their official website that stated that the final steps of deploying the sun-shield were completed last night.
SEE ALSO: Looking For New James Webb Telescope Pictures? You’ll Have To Wait.
Webb’s program director, Gregory L. Robinson also expressed his delight at the team’s recent success. He stated, “Unfolding Webb’s sun-shield in space is an incredible milestone, crucial to the success of the mission. Thousands of parts had to work with precision for this marvel of engineering to fully unfurl. The team has accomplished an audacious feat with the complexity of this deployment – one of the boldest undertakings yet for Webb.”
We just finished deploying our sunshield today, but wait, there’s more! #NASAWebb‘s secondary mirror is planned to be unfolded tomorrow, Jan. 5th, in the morning (Eastern time). Read more at the blog: https://t.co/tlNmsf2UL7 #UnfoldTheUniverse pic.twitter.com/MbO5YXNBIK
— NASA Webb Telescope (@NASAWebb) January 4, 2022
While the Webb team started working on deploying the sun-shield just three days after its launch, they went on to complete the most critical task of the mission last night (in eight days). Apart from protecting the telescope, the sun-shield also plays a crucial role in keeping the scientific instruments at an optimum temperature (under minus 380 degrees). “The sun-shield is remarkable as it will protect the telescope on this historic mission,” said Jim Flynn, NASA’s primary contractor for Webb.
While the Webb team at NASA have successfully managed to deploy the giant sun-shield in space, they would now shift their focus to the secondary mirror and other integral parts of the telescope in the upcoming months, as suggested in the report shared by NASA.
SEE ALSO: 2022’s First Sunrise Photos Shared By ISS Go Viral For All The Right Reasons
Cover Image: Shutterstock
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