National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Goddard Space Flight Center

Greenbelt, Maryland 20771

James Webb Space Telescope

Observatory Model
Building Instructions

OVERVIEW

This model is designed to help students understand the operation of the

James Webb Space Telescope.

Throughout the assembly of this model, students and model enthusiasts will encounter
different phases of development and assembly of the spacecraft.

OBJECTIVES

To develop and understand the purpose of each part

To see clearly how all the parts fit together

To learn about the First Light Objects, Galaxy Assembly, Birthplaces of Stars,
and Evolution of Planetary Systems, and Life Support

To work in teams to accomplish the above objectives

JWST Observatory Model Building Instructions 1

Supplies
6TH GRADER AND UNDER

The supplies needed for building this project are:

1. Color Printer (preferably) or black and white is okay; one that can print on
card stock

2. 1 package 110# white card stock (available at office supply stores)

3. Standard bond printer paper

4. OR go to your local copy or office supply store and have them print out the file
to save on buying full packages of white card stock or standard bond printer
paper

5. Standard #2 Pencil

6. Children’s scissors (pointed-end type)

7. Elmer’s Glue

8. Scotch Tape

9. 12 inch Plastic Ruler

10. Safe surface and place with plenty of room to cut out paper parts and
assemble them with space to allow glued pieces to dry

11. Paper towels or wet naps to wipe glue from fingers

12. Popsicle sticks (can be used to apply Elmer’s Glue on small parts and to
remove excess up glue)

7TH GRADERS AND UP

1. Color Printer (preferably) or black and white is okay; one that can print on
card stock

2. 1 package 110# white card stock (available at office supply stores)

3. Standard bond printer paper

4. OR go to your local copy or office supply store and have them print out the file
to save on buying full packages of white card stock or standard bond printer
paper

5. Mini Hot Glue Gun

JWST Observatory Model Building Instructions 2

 6. Mini Hot Glue Sticks (twelve – 4 inch sticks)

7. Thin crafting shears (very sharp and precise scissors, available at arts and
crafts stores)

8. X-Acto knife (use with supervision if necessary)

9. Five extra X-Acto knife #11 blades

10. 12 inch metal ruler

11. Paper towels or wet naps to wipe glue from fingers

12. Safe surface and place with plenty of room to cut out paper parts and
assemble them with space to allow glued pieces to dry

SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS FOR K THROUGH 6TH GRADERS – USE CAUTION:

1. When cutting with scissors

2. Using Scotch Tape – watch the jagged edges on the end of the tape dispenser

3. Paper cuts

SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS FOR 7TH GRADERS AND UP – USE CAUTION:

When cutting with scissors / X-Acto knife and using a hot glue gun

TIME CONSIDERATIONS

This model takes approximately 2 – 4 hours to build. So be patient! It’s worth it!

JWST Observatory Model Building Instructions 3

Getting Started
6TH GRADERS AND UNDER

1. Print out JWST Model Instructions file on regular copy bond paper for
reference as you cut out and assemble the parts.

2. Print out JWST Model Parts on the card stock.

3. Have supplies ready to cut out the pieces.

4. Cut out and assemble one part at a time in the order of the instructions and
parts.

5. Assemble each piece using either tape or Elmer’s Glue or a combination of

both. Use what is easiest for you to work with.

6. Let each assembled part dry completely before attaching to next part. When
using Elmer’s Glue, it may take up to ½ hour to dry.

7. You can assemble certain parts while others are drying.

8. Clean up as you go along to keep things in order.

7TH GRADERS AND OVER

1. Print out JWST Model Instructions file on regular copy bond paper for
reference as you cut out and assemble the parts.

2. Print out JWST Model Parts on the card stock.

3. Insert a new glue stick into the mini hot glue gun.

4. Heat up mini hot glue gun. This takes about 5 minutes.

5. Have supplies ready to cut out the pieces.

6. Cut out and assemble one part at a time in the order of the instructions and
parts.

7. Use X-Acto knife and metal ruler to score in specified places.

8. Fold over scores carefully.

9. Assemble each piece using either tape or hot glue gun or a combination of
both. Use what is easiest for you to work with.

10. Let each assembled part dry completely before attaching to next part.

JWST Observatory Model Building Instructions 4

 11. You can assemble certain parts while others are drying.

12. Clean up as you go along to keep things in order.

Youth Supplies Adult Supplies

JWST Observatory Model Building Instructions 5

List of Cutouts / Parts
Cutouts included in this assembly booklet:

Integrated Science Instrument Module (ISIM) (1)

ISIM Electronics Compartment (IEC) (1)

ISIM Instrument Shield (1)

Spacecraft Bus Assembly and diagram (1)

Solar Arrays (2) and assembly diagram

Sunshields (5)

Sunshield Tabs (40) and diagram — there are extra tabs

Sunshield Spreader Bars (6) and diagram

Bottom Sunshield Support Beams (6) and diagram

Primary Mirror with extra for printing multiple copies

Primary Mirror – Front Backplane Structure (1)

Primary Mirror – Back of Backplane Structure (1)

Diagram of #2 Pencil for Center Support Boom (1)

Cardstock version of Center Support Boom (1)

Secondary Mirror – Aft Optics System (1)

Secondary Mirror – OTE Secondary Mirror assembly (1)

Secondary Mirror Support System Booms (3)

JWST Observatory Model Building Instructions 6

Assembly Instruction Pages
NOTE: Read the directions COMPLETELY before you start in order to familiarize
yourself with the parts and final assembly.

1. Assembly of Spacecraft Bus (1)

2. Assembly of Solar Arrays (2)

3. Assembly of Sunshields (5) and Spreader Bars (6)

4. Attach Spacecraft Bus to bottom of Sunshield 5

5. Attach ISIM Instrument to Center Support Boom (1)

6. Assembly of ISIM and ElC (1) – Diagram of ISIM Structure Assembly

7. Assembly of Primary Mirror – Front and Back (1)

8. Attach Primary Mirror Assembly to Center Support Boom (1)

9. Assembly of the Secondary Mirror with Support System Booms (1)

10. Photo of completed JWST Observatory model

JWST Observatory Model Building Instructions 7

Step 1: Assembly of Spacecraft Bus
1.1 SPACECRAFT (S/C) BUS

1. Cut out Spacecraft Bus along

outside edges
2. Score with scissors or X-Acto knife
on dotted lines
Score = to lightly cut; do not cut all the
way through paper
3. Cut white slits in side of S/C bus in
panels 1 and 3 for insertion of solar
array tabs
4. Fold panels 1, 3, and 4 inward on
each dotted line to form a box shape
5. Fold tab 1 inward and glue to inside
of panel 1
6. Fold panel 2 on dotted line
7. Fold tab 2 on dotted line and glue to
inside of box on panel 4
8. Fold tabs 3 – 6 outward from box

Step 2: Assembly of Solar Arrays

1. Trim out solar arrays

2. Glue A and B back-to-back to create a double-sided array
3. Glue C and D to make another double-sided array
4. Insert white tabs on solar arrays into slits in panel 1 and 3 of
spacecraft bus
5. Glue tabs to inside of S/C bus to hold arrays in place
6. Unit will be attached to bottom of sunshield in Step 4.1

JWST Observatory Model Building Instructions 8

Step 3: Assembly of Sunshields and Spreader Bars
3.1 SUNSHIELDS

1. Cut along edge of sunshield; cut out 5

sunshields
2. Cut out center circles with small scissors or
X-Acto knife
3. Cut out tabs so each is separate
4. Fold along dotted lines to create a 3-sided tab
5. Glue or tape tabs and attach to each sunshield
until all 5 Sunshields are stacked evenly
(neatness counts!)

3.2 ASSEMBLING THE SUNSHIELD SPREADER BARS

1. Trim on solid black lines

2. Score on dotted Lines
3. Fold lengthwise on each dotted line 5th side

4. Tuck 5th side in to form a box shape

5. Run glue along inside of flap 5
6. Fold over and press closed to create
box shaped bars Apply Hot Glue
Along any side
and quickly
attach to each
point shown
in diagram 1.
3.3 ATTACHING THE SUNSHIELD
SPREADER BARS Diagram 1 Sunshield 1

1. Apply glue along any side of spreader

bar and attach to each point shown in
Diagram 1
2. Repeat to attach remaining bars as
shown in illustration

JWST Observatory Model Building Instructions 9

Step 4: Attach Spacecraft Bus to bottom of Sunshield 5
4.1 ATTACH SPACECRAFT BUS TO BOTTOM OF SUNSHIELD 5

1. Turn sunshield structure over to begin

adhering the Spacecraft bus
2. Fold tabs of S/C bus outward
3. Line S/C bus to dotted box on bottom
of Sunshield 5
4. Glue tabs to Sunshield

4.2 ASSEMBLING BOTTOM SUNSHIELD SUPPORT BEAMS

1. Trim on solid black lines

2. Score on dotted Lines
3. Fold lengthwise on each dotted line
4. Tuck 5th side in to form a box shape,
let dry completely
5. Glue in place as shown on illustration
6. Note: Some trimming of beams may be
necessary for an exact fit

JWST Observatory Model Building Instructions 10

Step 5: Attaching ISIM Instrument to Center Support Boom
5.1 ASSEMBLING AND INSERTING THE ISIM INSTRUMENT CENTER SUPPORT BOOM

1. If not using a standard #2 pencil for the

center support boom, trim along
outside of black lines on card stock
version of center boom
2. Score on dotted lines
3. Fold lengthwise on each dotted line
4. Tuck 5th side in to form a box shape
5. Run glue along inside of flap 5
6. Fold over small tab and press to close
7. Insert Center Support Boom down
through the center hole Or use a
standard #2 pencil for the Center
Support Boom
8. Apply plenty of glue around the center
circle and the Support Boom for
greater stability

Step 6: Assembly of ISIM and EIC

6.1 ISIM (INTEGRATED SCIENCE INSTRUMENT MODULE)

B Tab A
1. Score and fold along dotted
lines to create a box shape D E

2. Cut out circle on Instrument

bottom
3. Fold all white tabs inward to
prepare for gluing
4. Glue tab A to the inside of
panel B
5. Glue tab C to the inside of the
box created from gluing tab A
to the inside of panel B

Tab C

JWST Observatory Model Building Instructions 11

6.2 IEC (ISIM ELECTRONICS COMPARTMENT)

1. Cut out IEC along outside edges Tab C

2. Score and fold along dotted lines to create a box shape Tab A B
Top
3. Fold all white tabs inward to prepare for gluing
4. Glue tab A to the inside of panel B
5. Glue tab C to the inside of panel D
6. Glue top of IEC box to bottom of ISIM instrument
D

6.3 ISIM INSTRUMENT SHIELD

1. Cut out Instrument Shield along outside edges

2. Score along centerline and fold in half
3. Score and fold tabs
4. Center shield over the top of the ISIM instrument
5. Glue tabs D and E to the inside of ISIM instrument at
dotted lines – D and E in Step 6.1

6.4 ATTACHING THE ISIM INSTRUMENT TO THE CENTER SUPPORT BOOM

1. Apply plenty of glue to center of front

side of ISIM instrument
2. Attach to center of instrument support
boom – pencil or cardstock version
3. Hold in place for a few minutes to allow
pieces to adhere to each other. If you
are using a pencil, you can use a strip
or two of clear tape for extra adherence
and strength

JWST Observatory Model Building Instructions 12

Step 7: Assembly of Primary Mirror – Front and Back
7.1 PRIMARY MIRROR

1. Trim out around edges

2. Glue Primary Mirrors on top of each other for a 3-D effect

7.2 PRIMARY MIRROR BACKPLANE STRUCTURE – FRONT

1. Trim out Front Shield leaving tabs in place

2. Carefully cut on white lines and remove
marked triangle and box shaped pieces
3. Score between thick black outline and grey
interior shading
4. Fold the scores inward to create 90 degree
edges
5. Fold tabs inward for gluing to Rear Shield

7.3 PRIMARY MIRROR BACKPLANE STRUCTURE – BACK

1. Trim out back of shield along black outline

2. Line up edges with edges of front shield (with tabs folded
inward)
3. Glue to tabs
4. Apply glue to open edges and hold to close them
5. The shield should now be 3-dimensional

JWST Observatory Model Building Instructions 13

7.4 AFT OPTICS SYSTEM

1. Trim out Aft Optics System

2. Fold tabs inward, away from the black side
3. Wrap half circle shape to form a cone, lining it up until
the inside diameter matches the size of the center
circle
4. Fold the center circle downward to close up the cone
5. Apply glue to seal cone together
6. Run glue along outer edge of circle and fold center
circle down to close the cone
7. Fold white tabs inward and apply glue
8. Line up cone with the imprinted circle (A) on the
primary mirror
9. Hold in place until adhered

Step 8: Attach Primary Mirror Assembly to

Center Support Boom
8.1 ATTACH PRIMARY MIRROR ASSEMBLY TO CENTER SUPPORT BOOM

1. Apply plenty of glue to center

instrument Center Support Boom. If
you are using a pencil for Center
Support Boom, apply glue to the pencil
2. Line up Mirror Assembly to the center
of the boom and hold in place until
adhered

JWST Observatory Model Building Instructions 14

Step 9: Assembly of Secondary Mirror with
Support System Booms
9.1 OTE SECONDARY MIRROR ASSEMBLY

1. Follow steps 1– 5 for Aft Optics

System (Step 7.4)
2. Fold tabs inward and press firmly. This
one will hold the OTE Secondary
Mirror Support System Booms on the
inside of the cone

9.2 OTE SECONDARY MIRROR SUPPORT SYSTEM BOOMS

1. Trim out booms

2. Score along dotted lines lightly for folding Flap 5
3. Fold along each score to form a box shape
4. Run glue along flap 5 and fold over to hold box
shape boom in place
5. Repeat for remaining two booms
6. Booms will be attached in Step 9.3

JWST Observatory Model Building Instructions 15

9.3 ATTACHING THE AFT OPTICS SYSTEM AND SECONDARY MIRROR ASSEMBLY
TO THE CENTER SUPPORT BOOM

1. Apply plenty of glue to folded inward

flaps of aft optics system and attach to
center of Primary Mirror Assembly,
hold until firmly in place – A
2. Apply glue to open end caps of mirror
support booms and attach in place as
shown doing one at a time, hold in
place – B
3. Apply plenty of glue to inside of
Secondary Mirror Assembly and
quickly insert free end of each Mirror
Support Boom inside, shifting position
until the unit is centered with the Aft
Optics Mirror – C

Step 10: Photo of completed JWST Observatory Model

JWST Observatory Model Building Instructions 16