Full-scale model of James Webb Space Telescope to go up at the Maryland Science Center

Oct. 13, 2011
Baltimore, MD--A full-sized model of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) will be assembled and displayed at the Maryland Science Center at Baltimore's Inner Harbor from October 14 through October 26, 2011.

Baltimore, MD--A full-sized model of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) will be assembled and displayed at the Maryland Science Center at Baltimore's Inner Harbor from October 14 through October 26, 2011. The model was previously built by NASA's prime contractor, Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems (Redondo Beach, CA), to provide a better understanding of the size, scale, and complexity of the observatory.

The model is constructed mainly of aluminum and steel, weighs 12,000 pounds, and is approximately 80 feet long, 40 feet wide, and 40 feet tall. It requires two trucks to ship it, and assembly takes a crew of 12 approximately four days. The free display also accompanies the annual meeting of the Association of Science Technology Centers that will be held in Baltimore on October 15-18.

Experts will be on hand to discuss the Webb telescope's deep-space mission, how it will observe distant galaxies and nearby stars and planets, and the progress made to date in building the observatory. Spokespeople will also be available starting at 10 a.m. EDT and throughout the model exhibition. There will also be educational activities and an "Ask the Scientist" booth in front of the model during the daytime.

For images and video, see: http://www.nasa.gov/topics/nasalife/features/webb-balto.html.

For a sped-up video of the construction of the Webb full-scale model, see: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EbCBeq2Rz9Q.


About the Author

John Wallace | Senior Technical Editor (1998-2022)

John Wallace was with Laser Focus World for nearly 25 years, retiring in late June 2022. He obtained a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering and physics at Rutgers University and a master's in optical engineering at the University of Rochester. Before becoming an editor, John worked as an engineer at RCA, Exxon, Eastman Kodak, and GCA Corporation.

Sponsored Recommendations

Brain Computer Interface (BCI) electrode manufacturing

Jan. 31, 2025
Learn how an industry-leading Brain Computer Interface Electrode (BCI) manufacturer used precision laser micromachining to produce high-density neural microelectrode arrays.

Electro-Optic Sensor and System Performance Verification with Motion Systems

Jan. 31, 2025
To learn how to use motion control equipment for electro-optic sensor testing, click here to read our whitepaper!

How nanopositioning helped achieve fusion ignition

Jan. 31, 2025
In December 2022, the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory's National Ignition Facility (NIF) achieved fusion ignition. Learn how Aerotech nanopositioning contributed to this...

Nanometer Scale Industrial Automation for Optical Device Manufacturing

Jan. 31, 2025
In optical device manufacturing, choosing automation technologies at the R&D level that are also suitable for production environments is critical to bringing new devices to market...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Laser Focus World, create an account today!