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
Science & Exploration

Webb: new target launch date

21/12/2021 23586 views 367 likes
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Science & Exploration

Webb flies Ariane 5: watch the launch live

21/12/2021 111247 views 345 likes
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Science & Exploration

Webb secured inside Ariane 5 fairing

20/12/2021 11943 views 104 likes
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Artist representation of the JWST
Enabling & Support

ESA to pick up as Webb phones home

20/12/2021 7584 views 122 likes
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Science & Exploration

Webb launch confirmed for 24 December

18/12/2021 12054 views 378 likes
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Science & Exploration

Webb launch date update

15/12/2021 2359 views 56 likes
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Science & Exploration

Webb placed on top of Ariane 5

14/12/2021 39032 views 251 likes
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Webb's Ariane 5 launch vehicle exits the launch vehicle integration building at Europe's Spaceport
Enabling & Support

Ariane 5 moved to meet Webb

08/12/2021 8058 views 94 likes
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Science & Exploration

Update on Webb telescope launch

22/11/2021 18766 views 103 likes
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The James Webb Space Telescope has arrived safely at Pariacabo harbour in French Guiana
Enabling & Support

ESA welcomes Webb in French Guiana for launch on Ariane 5

12/10/2021 15701 views 119 likes
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Science & Exploration

Call for media: invitation to join pre-launch press program…

22/09/2021 1441 views 4 likes
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Science & Exploration

Targeted launch date for Webb: 18 December 2021

08/09/2021 25703 views 167 likes
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Science & Exploration

Webb completes testing and prepares for trip to Europe's Sp…

26/08/2021 14512 views 132 likes
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Science & Exploration

Webb passes key launch clearance review

01/07/2021 11705 views 160 likes
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How to enter the ESA Webb Party Contest
Science & Exploration

How to enter the ESA Webb Party Contest

30/06/2021 12631 views 20 likes
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#WebbAtHome craft project
Science & Exploration

Build your own #WebbAtHome

01/06/2021 12190 views 78 likes
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Science & Exploration

Selection of the first James Webb Space Telescope General O…

30/03/2021 24442 views 157 likes
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Science & Exploration

Peering into a Galaxy's Dusty Core to Study an Active Super…

17/03/2021 1343 views 6 likes
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Science & Exploration

Women making the Webb Space Telescope a reality

08/03/2021 8334 views 92 likes
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Testing Webb
Science & Exploration

Webb’s first space targets chosen

13/11/2017 11570 views 60 likes
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Test mirror segments for the James Webb Space Telescope
Science & Exploration

ESA confirms James Webb telescope Ariane launch

17/12/2015 18446 views 140 likes
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Exchange complete
Science & Exploration

Improved vision for James Webb Space Telescope

25/02/2015 16612 views 125 likes
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The James Webb Space Telescope sunshield outstretched
Science & Exploration

Super-tough sunshield to fly on James Webb Space Telescope

13/11/2008 5081 views 7 likes
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