Why Are there Holes in the James Webb Sunshield? (Explained by My Dad) - Smarter Every Day 270

Summary by Krater

The creator visits his dad at work to examine the sunshield membrane of the James Webb Space Telescope and learn how metrology techniques, laser scanners, and laser trackers were used to measure and verify its components.

From the video

Answers: How do engineers measure and test the sunshield of the James Webb Space Telescope?

• James Webb Space Telescope sunshield assembly
• metrology and measurement in cleanrooms
• laser scanning and laser tracking technology
• catenary curve and thermal bonding processes

What it concludes

• The sunshield of the James Webb Space Telescope protects the telescope's optics and electronics from heat and light from the sun, earth, and moon.
• Laser scanners and laser trackers are used together to measure complex reflective surfaces and large structures with high precision.
• Thermal bonding is a proprietary process used by ManTech Nexans to bond the layers of the sunshield together.
• Catenary curves define the light lines and tensioning of the sunshield membranes.