LEGO designers hope to launch their own James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), as we all look forward to its launch later in the year. LEGO Ideas is currently supporting a new LEGO design for JWST. LEGO may review the design and create it if it receives enough support.The idea currently has less than 1,500 supporters (as of August 12, 2021), with a goal of 10,000. Vote for your JWST model!To vote on the site or make comments, you will need to create an account with LEGO.LEGO claims that the LEGO build-a-block JWST design is very well-crafted. This includes the sunshade and foldable mirror segments.Ready for launch? The LEGO JWST folded! Credit to LEGOThe JWST is the world's largest space telescope. Because it is so large, the huge mirror and massive sunshade will need to be folded up in order to fit into the Ariane 5 rocket. Once it is in orbit, it will be unrolled.This LEGO JWST model is exactly the same as the real JWST. It folds up into a stowed location for launch and features all major moving parts. According to the description of LEGO JWST it is approximately scaled with the NASA engineer miniaturefigure.Here are all the major subsystems that make up @NASAWebb. Here's my Integrated Science Instrument Module (ISIM). All 4 instruments can be built, placed on the ISIM structure and then put the whole thing in my back. https://t.co/gw5njoFkI6 pic.twitter.com/VObMdLQH2U LEGO JWST (@LEGO_JWST) August 11, 2021Here's a view of my ISIM Electronics Compartment. My instruments require electronics that generate heat. This is a problem for me, a cold telescope! I keep my electronics in my IEC. This keeps the heat from my back and away from my telescope. https://t.co/gw5njoFkI6 pic.twitter.com/6owWx0jMgI LEGO JWST (@LEGO_JWST) August 12, 2021According to the designer, they are an astronomer. He also notes that it took them a while to create the hexagonal mirror segments. However, they use triangular yellow Lego signs for this purpose.As an astronomer, I am constantly amazed by the complexity of JWST. The telescope is made up of many parts and systems that must work together. To help others understand this amazing machine, I built a model.LEGO models JWSTs curved mirror is made up of 18 hexagonal segments that can be moved, and a hinged secondary mirror. It includes all major JWST subsystems including science instruments and power, communications, and propulsion subsystems.The designer says that he hopes this LEGO set will help builders to understand the incredible engineering involved in creating a large space telescope.Follow updates about the LEGO project and get more information on Twitter.Read our interview with John Mather, JWST project scientist, here.
