Webb will try to attempt to unpack it five layer sun-shield this will make will mark a critical milestone for the mission. This step is scheduled for completion about eight days after launch, no earlier than Sunday, Jan. 2.
Next the support structure that holds the secondary mirror in position to focus light collected by the primary mirror will deploy 10 days after launch, by Tuesday, Jan. 4.
With the unfolding of the second of Webb’s primary mirror wings, the Webb team will have completed all observatory deployments. This is scheduled to take place about 13 days after launch, no earlier than Friday, Jan. 7.
Over about the next two weeks, NASA will provide broadcast coverage, media briefings, and other updates on major deployment milestones for the James Webb Space Telescope, the world’s largest and most powerful space science telescope
Broadcasts of milestone events will air live on NASA TV, the NASA app, and the agency’s website.
Credits: NASA/Chris Gunn
