James Webb Space Telescope (JWST)
Ariane 5 ECA+
Arianespace
Rocket Launch Videos
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 331 rocket launches.
The Guiana Space Centre is a European spaceport to the northwest of Kourou in French Guiana, a region of France in South America. Kourou is located at a latitude of 5°. In operation since 1968, it is a suitable location for a spaceport because of its equatorial location and open sea to the east.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Ariane 5 ECA+ launch scheduled?
The Arianespace Ariane 5 ECA+ launch carrying the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) mission was scheduled for:
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Where can I watch the Ariane 5 ECA+ launch video?
You can watch the Arianespace Ariane 5 ECA+ launch video on this page. The official video includes full mission coverage with multiple camera angles, onboard views, and expert commentary covering pre-launch procedures, liftoff, stage separation, and payload deployment.
Where did the Ariane 5 ECA+ launch from?
The Arianespace Ariane 5 ECA+ rocket launched from Ariane Launch Area 3 at Guiana Space Centre, French Guiana. The Guiana Space Centre is a European spaceport to the northwest of Kourou in French Guiana, a region of France in South America. Kourou is located at a latitude of 5°. In operation since 1968, it is a suitable location for a spaceport because of its equatorial location and open sea to the east.
What rocket was used for the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) mission?
The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) mission launched aboard a Arianespace Ariane 5 ECA+ rocket. Ariane 5 ECA+ is a variant of the Ariane 5 heavy-lift vehicle, with a taller ECA-D upper stage. Detailed rocket specifications and performance data are available in the rocket details above.
What weather conditions could have delayed this launch?
The Ariane 5 ECA+ launch could have been delayed by various weather conditions including lightning within 10 nautical miles, high winds (especially upper-level winds), thick cloud layers, precipitation, and poor visibility. Weather must be favorable at the launch site, downrange landing zones, and abort landing sites.
How can I get updates if the launch is delayed?
This page is updated in real-time with the latest launch status, including any delays or scrubs. You can also check our space launch schedule for the most current information. Enable push notifications through our mobile app to receive instant alerts about launch status changes, weather holds, or new launch times. We recommend following official live streams for the most immediate range updates.
