The 20-foot Solar Array Powering the James Webb Space Telescope

  • Released Wednesday, May 15th, 2019
  • Updated Wednesday, May 3rd, 2023 at 1:45PM
  • ID: 13208

The James Webb Space Telescope's 20-foot solar array will provide all the power the observatory needs, by converting sunlight into electricity. Webb's solar array is its first and most important deployment. The small yet effective array will release itself like an accordian to a straightened configuration shortly after launch. The power it creates will help operate the telescope's propulsion and communication subsystems, as well as its scientific instruments.

The James Webb Space Telescope's solar array will be used to help power the observatory by converting sunlight into electrical energy. Presently, it is being tested at Northrop Grumman in Redondo Beach, CA.

The Instagram version of the feature.

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NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center

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