The telescope is reportedly the most complex and powerful telescope ever constructed and can look deeper into space than its predecessor, the Hubble Space Telescope, launched in 1990.
Toray’s composites were used to make the optical telescope element (OTE), the integrated science instrument module (ISIM), and the spacecraft element (SCE) of the telescope.
Composites are engineered for precise strength and stiffness mechanical performance and are lightweight to carry out the mission in the extremely challenging environment of space.
“I think nearly all humans are inspired by the night sky on grand display, even to the unaided eye,” said says Eric Howard, aerospace sales director at Toray. “As we extensively learned from Hubble (launched three decades ago), JWST is certain to enhance our knowledge of the heavens and is certain to foster curiosity and inspire the next generation of explorers, engineers, and scientists.”
