Nasa’s James Webb space telescope (JWST) has successfully completed the mission-critical design review (MCDR) confirming the designs, hardware and test plans for the telescope.

JWST, a successor to Hubble, is a next-generation space observatory for exploring deep space phenomena from distant galaxies to nearby planets and stars to provide clues to the formations of the universe and the solar system.

The MCDR included the integrated science instrument module review, the optical telescope element review and the sunshield review.

As the observatory is too large for validation by actual testing, complex models of how it will behave during launch and in space environments are being integrated.

The models are compared with prior test and review results from the observatory’s components.

The telescope will feature a large mirror with 18 primary segments that are currently under development.

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Each segment’s position will be fine-tuned. The telescope’s sunshield was moved into its fabrication and testing phase earlier this year.

The integrated science instrument module, the optical telescope element and the spacecraft will undergo hardware production, assembly and testing before being integrated and undertaking testing in 2012.