NASA opens James Webb Space Telescope’s iconic golden mirror for the last time on Earth

NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope has opened its iconic primary mirror for the very last time on Earth.

This marks an important milestone for the world’s largest and most powerful space science telescope set to be launched into space later this year.

As part of the final tests, the James Webb Space Telescope’s mirror was commanded to fully expand and lock itself into place.

“The conclusion of this test represents the team’s final checkpoint in a long series of tests designed to ensure Webb’s 18 hexagonal mirrors are prepared for a long journey in space, and a life of profound discovery,” NASA said in a Facebook post.

The "golden mirror," which is 6.5 meters (21 feet and 4 inches) in size, is described as a “technological marvel.”

According to NASA, each gold-plated hexagon is equipped with a set of “actuators” which are small devices that allow for impressively accurate fine-tuning of their position, angle, and even curvature.

The honeycomb pattern — commonly found in beehives — allows the mirror segments to  fit perfectly together and form one functional and massive reflector.

The James Webb Space Telescope will be the world's premier space science observatory when it launches in 2021. —Margaret Claire Layug/JCB, GMA News