In regards to the James Webb telescope(congrats, NASA!): How does the solar shield NOT act like a solar wind sail, which would cause the telescope to be steadily pushed away from us and require frequent re-alignment?

Question

In regards to the James Webb telescope(congrats, NASA!): How does the solar shield NOT act like a solar wind sail, which would cause the telescope to be steadily pushed away from us and require frequent re-alignment?

In: 143

Answer 1

Very good question! JWST has an “aft momentum flap” which works to counter this effect. It lets it, sort of surf or sail on the pressure from the sun’s radiation to steer it in the right angle.

You can read more about it here: https://blogs.nasa.gov/webb/2021/12/30/webbs-aft-momentum-flap-deployed/