James Webb Space Telescope to launch Dec. 24

[jayem]

The JWST is the Hubble’s successor. It’s a $10 billion joint venture between NASA and the ESA (European Space Agency.) It will orbit the sun at the 2nd Lagrange Point (L2,) which is 1.5 million km from Earth. This is the mission:

According to NASA, the James Webb Space Telescope will focus on four main areas: first light in the universe, assembly of galaxies in the early universe, birth of stars and protoplanetary systems, and planets (including the origins of life.)

How cool is this? The launch site is in French Guiana, and as of now, is scheduled for Christmas Eve. I’m sure Santa will stop to watch it.

BTW, The NYT has a longer, more detailed article, but it’s behind a paywall.

NASA's James Webb Space Telescope: Hubble's Cosmic Successor

 

[durangodawood]

Fingers crossed.

Mirrors Webb/NASA

 

[FrumiousBandersnatch]

The JWST is the Hubble’s successor. It’s a $10 billion joint venture between NASA and the ESA (European Space Agency.) It will orbit the sun at the 2nd Lagrange Point (L2,) which is 1.5 million km from Earth. This is the mission:

According to NASA, the James Webb Space Telescope will focus on four main areas: first light in the universe, assembly of galaxies in the early universe, birth of stars and protoplanetary systems, and planets (including the origins of life.)

How cool is this? The launch site is in French Guiana, and as of now, is scheduled for Christmas Eve. I’m sure Santa will stop to watch it.

BTW, The NYT has a longer, more detailed article, but it’s behind a paywall.

NASA's James Webb Space Telescope: Hubble's Cosmic Successor

Bad weather has pushed the launch to Christmas Day! Another exciting thing to do!!

Launch updates
Arianespace on Twitter
NASA, ESA - JWST Launch on Twitter

 

[jayem]

Bad weather has pushed the launch to Christmas Day! Another exciting thing to do!!

Launch updates
Arianespace on Twitter
NASA, ESA - JWST Launch on Twitter

For sure. With a $10 billion price tag for the project, prudence is wise.

In any case, I'd much rather see my tax dollars going to scientific research than subsidizing fossil fuels and dairy farmers (which is still an ongoing program.)

 

[FrumiousBandersnatch]

Well, after a successful launch, the JWST is on its way out beyond the orbit of the moon to find somewhere cool to start its working life... A nice bonus Christmas present!

Merry Christmas to all!

 

[sjastro]

Separation from Ariane 5 and deployment of solar array shortly after launch.
JWST now on its way to L₂.

 

[FrumiousBandersnatch]

Keep track of JWST: Where Is Webb?

 

[Green Sun]

Been looking forward to this for a long while. Sunshield deployment should start tomorrow. Fingers crossed for a successful setup and arrival at L2!

 

[Desk trauma]

The real reason the launch was postponed?

Never A Straight Answer!