James Webb Space Telescope Mirror (1:40)

Happy Deployment Day Everyone!

This is a “naked” JWST model with mirrors and support structure as they appeared during assembly and testing prior to being covered with protective material for launch. Extra effort went into accurately modeling the curvature of the mirrors and the overall proportions of the telescope, with several important simplifications that allow for easy printing.

Reference Images:
Lightsey et. al. 2012
Story of Webb 1
Story of Webb 2
Story of Webb 3
Story of Webb 4

Where's the sunshield......? Well, the sunshield is big. How big? Really big. Including the sunshield at a reasonable scale means that the telescope itself would appear too small to see the curvature of the mirrors and the detail of the support structure. So while no less important to the overall design of the telescope, the focus here is on the mirrors...

Update (1/24/2022):
The JWST made it safely to L2!!!
Added optional folding arms for the secondary mirror:
JWST_Unfolding_Arms_v2 <-- print flat
JWST_Unfolding_Arms_Mirror_Structure
JWST_Unfolding_Arms_2nd_Mirror
Assembly note: Glue can be added to the lower arm joints at the secondary mirror to align it properly. This won't prevent it from folding up, but will improve the rigidity and keep the secondary mirror facing the primary.

No 3D printer? Check out my Esty shop: https://www.etsy.com/listing/1156982177/james-webb-space-telescope-model-3d

Printing:
Mirrors in Silk Gold (PLA), 0.1 mm layer height
Backplane Support and Stand in Jet Black (PLA or PETG), 0.15 mm layer height
A few small supports recommended for printing the primary mirror (around the edges).

Printed in 6 Parts:
-Primary Mirror Assembly
-Secondary Mirror
-Mirror support structures← a version is included with built in supports
-Backplane Support Part 1
-Backplane Support Part 2
-Display Base

Printing Tips:
The secondary mirror supports print as tall leaning towers until connected together at the top. Small deviations in the layer height can compound causing these towers to sway. To avoid this, it is super critical that your filament is bone dry, so either start with a brand new spool or thoroughly dry an open one. The version with built-in supports is recommended.

Assembly:
Glue components in place with super glue.
Mirrors fit snugly into the support structure once correctly aligned.
Backplane support is printed in two halves and has alignment tabs for the mirror structure (see images for correct placement). Glue the backplane halves and the stand together at the same time. Apply white paint to the lettering if desired.