This may be a familiar story, but NASA, ESA and Arianespace have released some encouraging news today. They now target December 18, 2021 for the launch of the much-delayed James Webb Space Telescope, (JWST).
JWST is now on the ground thanks to the Ariane 5 rocket. It appears that it is ready and approved for launch. Although the Ariane 5 is a reliable rocket, there were problems with previous launches. However, Arianespace officials stated that the root cause of the problem has been identified and corrective actions taken. A successful launch was achieved on July 30, where two commercial satellites were sent into orbit by Ariane 5.
Major components of the Ariane 5 rocket's upper stage and core stage have also reached Europe's spaceport in Kourou (French Guiana). The rockets are now in good condition, the core stage and upper stage are on site. However, the telescope is still waiting to be transported from Northrop Grumman's Redondo Beach facility, California.
French Guiana: Components of the James Webb Space Telescope launch vehicle arrive in Kourou Spaceport. Credit: ESA/Arianespace
NASA has announced that teams are currently preparing for shipment operations. During this time, the observatory will go through final closeout procedures and pack it for its trip to the launch site. Webb will be shipped to French Guiana in September 2021.
The JWST project was first conceptualized in 1989. It has been through many delays, problems and fixes. There have also been many rescheduled tentative launch dates. In 2011, the telescope was threatened with cancellation. The telescope has also survived a threatened cancellation in 2011.
The long-awaited, much-anticipated next generation telescope is now closer than ever to being on the ground. JWST is being billed as the successor of the Hubble Space Telescope. Astronomers will use it to go back in time to see the beginning stars and galaxies, and to view the universe 200 million years ago. Webb will be used to study virtually all phases of cosmic history, including the formation of stars and galaxies as well as studying our solar system. They also plan to examine the atmospheres distant exoplanets in order to determine if they could support life.
The Ariane 5's second stage is ideal for transporting the JWST into space. Credit: ESA
Two launches of 2020 brought about the problems with Ariane 5, where unexpected vehicle accelerations were caused by the fairing separating from the rocket. The fairing is the nose cone that protects a payload from damage during acceleration through Earth's atmosphere.
Two commercial communication satellites were launched by Ariane 5 on July 30, 2021. However, there is a second launch planned from Kourou's spaceport. This will be the last Ariane 5 launch before Webb can take off. The date is not yet set but it is expected to take place in September. JWST must make the long journey to South America and arrive safely.
Take our advice and pencil in the latest launch date very lightly. Don't let your hopes get too high.
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NASA and ESA
