Solutions for Space and Launchers

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is a large infrared-optimized space telescope that is being built to replace the Hubble Telescope – and Hexcel materials are playing an important part in this high profile, international project. JWST is a collaboration between NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA). The NASA Goddard Space Flight Center is managing the development. Fifteen countries are involved in building the JWST: Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, French Guyana, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the UK and the USA.

High modulus carbon fibers, combined with Hexcel’s Cyanate Ester 954-6 Resin System are used on the Backplane and on the Integrated Science Instrument Module (ISIM) to provide improved microcracking performance at extreme cryogenic temperatures. JWST requires very tight tolerance structure to enable the high performance pictures and HexPly® prepreg helps meet the requirements of the design. Hexcel was asked by NASA, Northrop Grumman and ATK to develop a prepreg with 50% tighter tolerances to meet the demands of the JWST program. Our team met the challenge and produced a higher grade of Cyanate Ester 954-6 Prepreg which is ideal for the purpose.

JWST, which is scheduled to launch in 2013, will take three months to reach orbit, around one million miles from Earth. The unique features of the telescope will mean it is possible to peer through dusty clouds to see stars forming planetary systems, connecting the Milky Way to our own solar system. The design features a large mirror 21.3 feet (6.5 meters) in diameter and a sunshield the size of a tennis court.