Austin, Texas — 2012

A full-scale model of the James Webb Space Telescope was built by the prime contractor, Northrop Grumman, to provide a better understanding of the size, scale, and complexity of this satellite. It was built and is supported entirely by Northrop Grumman’s internal funds. The model is constructed mainly of aluminum and steel, weighs 12,000 lb., and is approximately 80 feet long, 40 feet wide and 40 feet tall. The model requires two trucks to ship it and assembly takes a crew of 12 approximately four days.

Learn more at NASA’s website: http://jwst.nasa.gov/model.html