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Space · Deployed observatory · sunshield long axis

How long is a james webb space telescope?

NASA lists the deployed Webb sunshield at 21.197 meters long by 14.162 meters wide.

James Webb Space Telescope, Deployed observatory · sunshield long axis. Sunshield length · fully deployed: 21.197 meters.
Interpretive illustration of the selected configuration. The named measurement controls the comparison; other dimensions and equipment details remain illustrative. This is not an engineering drawing or an authentic photograph.

21.197 m

Sourced measurement
Measurement
Sunshield length · fully deployed
Subject or version
Deployed observatory · sunshield long axis
In feet, rounded
69.5 ft (1 ft = 0.3048 m)
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A little more perspective

NASA lists the deployed Webb sunshield at 21.197 meters long by 14.162 meters wide. This entry measures the longer edge-to-edge extent in the sunshield plane, with the observatory deployed. It does not use the 6.5-meter mirror aperture as the overall spacecraft size.

The sunshield and primary mirror define different measurements of the same observatory. Keeping the shield’s long axis horizontal lets its full span control this comparison. The gold mirror and support structures rise above that plane, but their illustrated vertical extent does not establish a separately sourced height.

Quick facts

NASA lists the deployed Webb sunshield at 21.197 meters long by 14.162 meters wide.

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Sources and measurement notes

Source review recorded . Maintained by Ishan Karunaratne. Suggest a correction with a source and the exact measurement being compared.

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