James Webb Space Telescope (JWST)
Ariane 5 ECA+
Arianespace
Mission
James Webb Space Telescope (JWST)
- Type: Astrophysics
- Orbit: Sun-Earth L2
The James Webb Space Telescope is a space telescope developed by NASA, ESA and CSA to succeed the Hubble Space Telescope as NASA’s flagship astrophysics mission. Its primary mirror, the Optical Telescope Element, is composed of 18 hexagonal mirror segments which combine to create a 6.5 m diameter mirror, considerably larger than Hubble’s 2.4 m mirror. This will allow JWST to provide improved infrared resolution and sensitivity over Hubble, and will enable a broad range of investigations across the fields of astronomy and cosmology, including observing some of the most distant events and objects in the universe, such as the formation of the first galaxies.
Location
Ariane Launch Area 3
Guiana Space Centre, French Guiana
Ariane Launch Area 3 has witnessed the launch of 118 rockets, including 118 orbital launch attempts, while Guiana Space Centre, French Guiana, has been the site for 320 rocket launches.
Rocket
ArianeGroup Ariane 5 ECA+
Ariane 5 ECA+ is a variant of the Ariane 5 heavy-lift vehicle, with a taller ECA-D upper stage.
Agency
Arianespace
Arianespace SA is a multinational company founded in 1980 as the world’s first commercial launch service provider. It undertakes the production, operation, and marketing of the Ariane programme. Their vehicles launch exclusively from French Guiana in South America.
Here is the greatest telescope ever launched, (James Webb).
This will be looking back into time when the universe was developing .
Successful launch and let’s hope new discoveries for us all .
P.S this will so take the pressure of our old trusty friend “Hubble” who has done a fantastic job all these years, keep on keeping on.
Worth ever cent of the 10 Billion spent on this “time machine ” which is capable of looking back into where we have come from .
Back to the future folks lets hope we find what we are looking for .
I really wished they had built two of these at the same time. Would not have cost that much extra as most of the work goes into the first one. Space Exploration is a risky business, I truly hope the launch is a total success.
Same here Jim, there is a lot riding on this mission and there is going to be a lot of astronomers very disappointed if a mishap occurs not much pressure on NASA. If anyone can make this a success it’s the old USA and NASA. Go for launch folks Australia… Read more »
With 2 JWST’s, not only would they have a back-up in the event of a launch failure, they would also have a potential 2nd telescope. All for the cost of a second launch and a few bucks for building duplicate parts. Should anything go wrong with this launch, how long… Read more »
Ditto to that Jim , we already hear astronomers have carried out a survey on what to replace the James Webb with already. It to will take couple of decades to construct and launch all going well.
Long live the James Webb.
It’s fitting that it was named after James Webb, NASA’s second Administrator.He would be humbled.
Ditto to that Aaron.
What a wonderful launch the cosmos is about to unfold more secrets to us and our destiny.