Webb trajectory diagram

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.