ESA title

The mission

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 formation of stars and planets, to the birth of the first galaxies in the early Universe. Webb is an international partnership between NASA, ESA and CSA. The telescope launched on an Ariane 5 from Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana.

The launch

  • Launch date: 25 December 2021
  • Launch location: Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana
  • Launch vehicle: Ariane 5
  • Orbit: Lagrange point 2, 1.5 million km from Earth
Webb

Latest

JADES-GS-z13-1 in the GOODS-S field (NIRCam image)
Science & Exploration

Webb sees galaxy mysteriously clearing fog of early Universe

26/03/2025 1352 views 42 likes
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The Cosmic Tornado / Herbig-Haro 49/50 (Webb telescope image)
Science & Exploration

Webb unmasks true nature of the Cosmic Tornado

24/03/2025 5184 views 51 likes
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HH 30 (MIRI & NIRCam image)
Science & Exploration

Webb investigates a dusty and dynamic disc

04/02/2025 9301 views 54 likes
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NGC 346 (Webb)
Science & Exploration

Planet-forming discs lived longer in early Universe

16/12/2024 4020 views 33 likes
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Galaxy cluster MACS J1423 (NIRCam image)
Science & Exploration

Webb finds primeval star-forming galaxy that is lightweight

11/12/2024 3882 views 49 likes
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More items

  • Science & Exploration

    Webb reveals “Cosmic Cliffs” – a glittering landscape of star birth

    12/07/2022 39660 views 311 likes
    Open item
    Cosmic Cliffs in Carina – NIRCam
  • Science & Exploration

    Webb reveals steamy atmosphere of distant planet in exquisite detail

    12/07/2022 16232 views 141 likes
    Open item
    Exoplanet WASP-96 b – NIRISS transmission spectrum
  • Science & Exploration

    Webb sheds light on galaxy evolution, black holes

    12/07/2022 28715 views 242 likes
    Open item
    Stephan’s Quintet – NIRCam and MIRI imaging
  • Science & Exploration

    Webb delivers deepest image of Universe yet

    12/07/2022 35932 views 212 likes
    Open item
    Webb’s first deep field (MIRI and NIRCam)
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Webb overview

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