JWST (James Webb Space Telescope)

Launch data: Designation  50463 / 21130A Launch date  25 Dec 2021 - 12:20 UTC Launch site  Ko, ELA-3 Launch vehicle  Ariane-5ECA+ (VA256) Mission  Astronomy (visible to mid IR) Sun-Earth L-2 orbit: Periapsis / Apoarsis altitude  250,000 x 832,000 km Inclination  4.0560° Period  6 months

Spacecraft data: Prime manufacturer  Northrop Grumman (ex TRW) (Prime), Ball Aerospace Platform   Operator  NASA, ESA, CSA Mass at launch  6161.4 kg Dry Mass   kg Basic shape   Dimension (m)  20.197 m x 14.162 m Equipment  6.5 m foldable mirror, NIRCam, NIRSpec, MIRI, FGS Solar array  Deployable solar array Stabilization   Propulsion   DC power  2 kW Design lifetime  5-10 yrs

JWST as seen from the ESC-D Cryotechnic upper stage (Ariane rocket) shortly after separation, approximately 29 minutes after launch.

Description:

• The JWST (James Webb Space Telescope), formerly named NGST (Next Generation Space Telescope), is conceived as a successor to the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) and since its primary emphasis is on infrared astronomy, it is also a successor to the Spitzer Space Telescope (SIRTF). It should operate for at least five years and possibly even for as long as ten years. JWST will observe in a lower frequency range, from long-wavelength visible light through mid-infrared (0.6 to 28.3 µm), which will allow it to observe high redshift objects that are too old and too distant for Hubble to observe.
• Several innovative technologies have been developed for Webb. These include a folding, segmented primary mirror, adjusted to shape after launch; ultra-lightweight beryllium optics; detectors able to record extremely weak signals, microshutters that enable programmable object selection for the spectrograph; and a cryocooler for cooling the mid-IR detectors to 7 K. The long-lead items, such as the beryllium mirror segments and science instruments, are under construction. All mission enabling technologies were demonstrated by January 2007. In July 2008 NASA confirmed the Webb project to proceed into its implementation phase, and the project conducted a major mission review in March 2010.
• Compared to currently existing or planned observatories, the JWST will have the unique advantage of combining superb image quality, a relatively large field of view and low background light with a highly stable operating environment. All of these are very important characteristics for the infrared observations the JWST will need to carry out to see the first stars and galaxies.
• The Observatory is the space-based portion of the James Webb Space Telescope system and is comprised of three elements:
  • the Integrated Science Instrument Module (ISIM)
  • the Optical Telescope Element (OTE) (includes the mirrors and backplane)
  • the Spacecraft Element (Spacecraft Bus and Sunshield)

The James Webb Telescope is lift, using a crane, and moved inside a clean room at NASA″s Goddard Space Flight Center

NASA′s Webb Telescope Will Have the Coolest Camera in Space

External links:

• NASA: Where is WEBB?
• NASA: James Webb Space Telescope (WEBB/JWST)
• Wikipedia: Telescope information
• EveryDay Astronaut: Telescope information

Astrophilately covers:

Launch cancel KSC. Credit: #411

Different launch cancel KSC. Credit: #411

Launch cancel Goldstone (17FT IRWIN). Credit: #411c

Cancel Kourou. Credit: #411c

Launch cancel Goddard Space Flight. Credit: #411c

Cancel Reaches L2 Lagrange point. Credit: #411