NASA releases first photos from James Webb Space Telescope—Photos + details about Huntsville’s role in the project

Nasa webb image
The photo we’ve all been waiting for. (NASA)

We’re sure you’ve heard about the stunning first images from the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). But, did you know that Huntsville + North Alabama played a major role in the telescope’s development? Read on for more details + photos.

Local connections

Webb
Those mirrors were made in North Alabama. (NASA)

It’s no surprise that the Rocket City has lots of connections to the JWST, a revolutionary piece of space tech. Here are the ones you need to know about:

  • A Huntsville company, Nexolve, was responsible for the sunshield that protects the telescope from the sun’s radiation
  • The telescope’s 18 mirrors were manufactured by Axsys in Cullman
  • Testing for the mirrors was done at Marshall Space Flight Center

Read our full writeup on the tech behind JWST.

The images

Finally, what you’ve been waiting for: The first official image from JWST was released Monday evening, July 11, and the rest followed on Tuesday, July 12. Here they are, in all their glory:

  • nasas webb captures dying stars final performance in fine detail 52211582643 o
  • Nasa webb image
  • nasas webb delivers deepest infrared image of universe yet 52212012595 o
  • nasas webb reveals cosmic cliffs glittering landscape of star birth 52211883534 o
  • nasas webb sheds light on galaxy evolution black holes 52211586681 o

We are proud of all the Huntsville minds behind this great scientific achievement. Share your excitement with us on social by tagging @hvilleblast and using #hvilleblast.

Emily Phillips
Emily Phillips
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