Webb in a nutshell

The James Webb Space Telescope (Webb) is the next great space science observatory following Hubble, designed to answer outstanding questions about the Universe and to make breakthrough discoveries in all fields of astronomy.

Webb will see farther into our origins – from the Universe's first galaxies, to the birth of stars and planets, and exoplanets with the potential for life. Closer to home, Webb will also look at our own Solar System.

Webb is an international partnership between NASA, ESA and CSA.

The telescope launches on an Ariane 5 from Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana.

As well as launch services, ESA contributes to two of the four science instruments, and personnel to support mission operations.