ICYMI: All You Need to Know About the World's Most Powerful Telescope

As the James Webb Space Telescope cools down to its frigid optimum temperature, FLYING takes a look back at all the milestones this historic technology has achieved.

Jeremy Kariuki

Thursday, April 21, 2022 at 02:54 PM ET

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An Arianespace Ariane 5 rocket launches NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope on December 25, 2021. [Courtesy: NASA/Bill Ingalls]

Key Takeaways:

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) successfully launched on Christmas Day 2021 and completed the critical, one-shot deployments of its large sunshield and 18 gold-coated primary mirrors.
JWST traveled 1 million miles to its final L2 orbit and has now reached its precise operating temperature of -447 degrees Fahrenheit, vital for its highly sensitive infrared observations of faint heat signatures.
Currently undergoing instrument calibration and mirror alignment, JWST is preparing to deliver its first full scientific images this summer, aiming to capture moments from the early universe.

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The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is the cumulative effort of thousands of collaborators from around the world, producing the most powerful telescope the world has ever seen.

On April 13, NASA announced Webb’s successful cooldown to operating temperature, negative 447 degrees Fahrenheit, and is now calibrating its instruments to begin taking photos of the first moments after the big bang.
Since Christmas Day 2021, Webb has traveled 1 million miles away from Earth, crossing multiple milestones on its journey. Join FLYING as we break down Webb’s mission thus far.