As the planned successor to the Hubble Space Telescope, even the smallest of parts on the James Webb Space Telescope will play a critical role in its performance. “Actuators” are one component that will help Webb focus on some of the earliest objects in the universe. Pictured is the Webb engineering design unit’s primary mirror segment, coated with gold by Quantum Coating Incorporated. The actuator is located behind the mirror.
Photo Credit: NASA/Drew Noel
