It's finally starting to happen for the James Webb Space Telescope. Engineers are currently preparing the long-awaited landmark telescope to be transported to Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana.
NASA's James Webb Space Telescope is now on the right track to launch. This was achieved with the successful completion of observatory integration testing. We are proud to have such a dedicated team that brought us to this point.
The final tests of the space telescope were performed at Northrop Grummans facilities, California. This ensured that the complex, foldable observatory would work as intended when it is in space. The packing and shipping operations have begun. These precise steps will ensure that the telescope is safe on its journey from California to France via the Panama Canal.
In a press release, Gnther Haasinger, Director of Science at ESA, stated that Webb's tests were successful and thanked all teams for their hard work. We are thrilled that all of the necessary items for the launch are now being assembled at Europe's Spaceport.
While shipping operations are in progress, teams located at Webbs Mission Operations Center in Baltimore (STScI), will continue to perform simulations for launch and operation of the telescope. The team recently tested the network and operations center, and demonstrated its ability to seamlessly send commands to the spacecraft. The team now plans to conduct launch rehearsals in preparation for any contingencies that may occur, but hopefully it will be a smooth transition from the Ariane 5 launch vehicle.
This test is the final of a series of checks designed to ensure Webb's 18 hexagonal mirrors have a long and productive life. Credits: NASA/Chris Gunn
We reported earlier this year that the Ariane 5 rocket, which is usually reliable, experienced problems during two previous launches in 2020. Unexpected vehicle accelerations were caused by the fairing separating from the rocket. The fairing protects a payload from damage during launch and acceleration through the Earth's atmosphere.
Arianespace officials stated that the source of the problem had been identified and that corrective measures have been taken. Ariane 5 launched two commercial satellites for communications on July 30, 2021. This was the rocket's first flight in almost a year and it is the first of two planned missions before it can send Webb to space.
Ariane 5's next launch will be in September for a small group of satellites (the SES-17A and Syracuse-4A). If successful, it can be followed by James Webb's launch, which is likely to take place in late November. NASA, ESA, and Arianespace do not have a launch window and have not disclosed when Webb will be reaching South America. Below is an infographic that outlines all steps required for launch to occur:
Webb launch timeline at Europe's Spaceport. Credit: ESA
The Ariane 5 upper stage, which will transport Webb into space, is already on its route to Europe's Spaceport.
After a 26-minute journey to orbit, the spacecraft will be released from the rocket. The solar array will automatically deploy after launch. If everything goes according to plan, the spacecraft will launch towards L2, the second Lagrange point, where it will orbit the Sun 1.5 million kilometers (1,000,000 miles) from Earth. This orbit allows the telescope to follow the Sun's path around the Sun, and the large sunshield on the satellites protects it from heat and light. It will take around 30 days to reach L2. It will take around 30 days to reach L2. Webb will be subject to a six-month-long commissioning period. Just 26 minutes after taking a ride on the Ariane 5 launch vehicle, Webb was ready to go.
Caption: NASA's next big leap into the unknown is underway.
Sources: NASA, ESA
