NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope, the largest and most powerful space science telescope ever constructed, has begun its journey. After launching aboard an Ariane 5 rocket from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana last week, the spacecraft is on the way to its final observation post, nearly one million miles (1.5 million kilometers) away from Earth.
Now comes the tricky part.
Teams of engineers on the ground are currently orchestrating the complex, weeks-long sequence of deployments necessary for Webb to unfold from its compact launch configuration into its operational configuration, including the extension of a giant, tennis court-sized sunshield that will allow the telescope to operate at the extremely cold temperatures necessary for Webb to function the way it was designed.
After the six-month commissioning process is complete—and the observatory is fully cooled, aligned, and calibrated— Webb’s revolutionary technology will study every phase of 13.5 billion years of cosmic history, from within our solar system to the most distant observable galaxies in the early universe, and everything in between.
Wondering how you can follow along as the world’s most powerful space telescope continues its journey? NASA has you covered. This newsletter has all the resources you’ll need to stay up-to-date on Webb’s progress:
Where Is Webb?—Follow along with our step-by-step overview of Webb's deployment sequence as it unfurls in space. Get detailed information and interactive visuals as you learn what’s happening with our new spacecraft.
Webb FAQs— Don’t know your launch pads from your Lagrange points? Better start here. Our easy-to-read resource guide provides you with the answers to everything you’d want to ask about Webb.
Blog Updates— Our blog provides daily mission updates on Webb’s progress, including the most recent information on the spacecraft’s trajectory, deployment iterations, and other news.
Webb STEM Toolkit— Bring the excitement of the James Webb Space Telescope into your classroom with our STEM learning toolkit. Find resources, activities, videos, and more for your students to learn about NASA’s newest space observatory!
Unfold the Universe Art Challenge— What do you think the James Webb Space Telescope will discover? Tell us through art! Share a picture or video of you and your creation with the hashtag #UnfoldTheUniverse for a chance to be featured on NASA’s website and social media channels.
