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

HH 30 (MIRI & NIRCam image)
Science & Exploration

Webb investigates a dusty and dynamic disc

04/02/2025 6691 views 49 likes
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NGC 346 (Webb)
Science & Exploration

Planet-forming discs lived longer in early Universe

16/12/2024 3776 views 32 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 3649 views 48 likes
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Spiderweb Protocluster (NIRCam)
Science & Exploration

Webb finds surprises in Spiderweb protocluster field

04/12/2024 5547 views 51 likes
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Sombrero galaxy (MIRI)
Science & Exploration

Sombrero Galaxy dazzles in new Webb image

25/11/2024 11823 views 97 likes
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More items

  • Science & Exploration

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

    12/07/2022 39584 views 310 likes
    Open item
    Cosmic Cliffs in Carina – NIRCam
  • Science & Exploration

    Webb reveals steamy atmosphere of distant planet in exquisite detail

    12/07/2022 16189 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 28661 views 242 likes
    Open item
    Stephan’s Quintet – NIRCam and MIRI imaging
  • Science & Exploration

    Webb delivers deepest image of Universe yet

    12/07/2022 35480 views 211 likes
    Open item
    Webb’s first deep field (MIRI and NIRCam)
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Webb overview

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