The European Space Agency (ESA) is Europe’s gateway to space. Its mission is to shape the development of Europe’s space capability and ensure that investment in space continues to deliver benefits to the citizens of Europe and the world.
Find out more about space activities in our 23 Member States, and understand how ESA works together with their national agencies, institutions and organisations.
Exploring our Solar System and unlocking the secrets of the Universe
Go to topicProtecting life and infrastructure on Earth and in orbit
Go to topicUsing space to benefit citizens and meet future challenges on Earth
Go to topicMaking space accessible and developing the technologies for the future
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The adjacent diagram shows a conceptual view of Webb's trajectory and halo orbit. Webb launched on the sun-facing side of the earth and travelled a slightly curved trajectory for the ~1,609,344 km to enter its L2 halo orbit. A halo orbit is one which rather than follow a single path, is an orbit that periodically varies through a series of paths. The 'Earth/L2 frame' orbits the Sun while Webb orbits L2 as shown in this animation of Webb's orbit. Also note Webb's orientation; the sunshield is perpendicular to the Sun so Webb's mirrors and instruments are in cold complete darkness.