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James Webb Telescope Launching

December 09, 2021

JAMES WEBB TELESCOPE

LAUNCHING DECEMBER 22, 2021
on an Ariane 5 rocket from French Guiana

Live countdown commentary and launch broadcast will begin at 5:50 a.m. and air on NASA Television and the agency’s website, as well as YouTubeTwitterFacebookLinkedInTwitchDaily MotionTheta.TV, and NASA’s App.

Credit: NASASpaceFlight.com

The James Webb Telescope will be the world’s largest and most powerful space science telescope. It will build on the discoveries of other missions to answer fundamental questions about the universe and its origins. Webb’s revolutionary technology will study every phase of cosmic history, from within our solar system to the most distant observable galaxies in the early universe. Its infrared telescope will explore a wide range of science questions to help us understand the origins of the universe and our place in it.

BE A PART OF THE MISSION

Webb STEAM Virtual Platform
The public can learn about the next great space science observatory from the experts through pre-recorded talks about the critical three-week period after launch, when engineers will command the observatory to unfold for use in space, a Webb audiobook, and more. Access the content at: https://go.nasa.gov/WebbSTEAMDay

#UnfoldTheUniverse Art Challenge
Get inspired and use art to show us what you think Webb will discover. Share a photo or video of you with your artistic creation and tag us with #UnfoldTheUniverse. You may be featured on our website, social media channels, or historic launch broadcast. Learn more at:

https://go.nasa.gov/unfoldtheuniverse

Webb’s Deployments
Launch is the most anticipated moment of any mission, but it’s just the beginning of Webb’s story. In the 29 days after liftoff, thousands of parts must work correctly, in sequence, to ensure that Webb can unfold into its final form. And as all of this takes place, Webb will fly through the expanse of space to a destination nearly one million miles away. Explore all the parts involved in deployment to learn more about Webb’s operational configuration. Explore more at: https://jwst.nasa.gov/content/webbLaunch/deploymentExplorer.html

Virtual Launch Passport
Print, fold, and get ready to fill your virtual passport. Stamps will be emailed following launches to those who register.

Watch and Engage on Social Media
Stay connected with the mission on social media and let people know you’re following the launch and mission on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram with #UnfoldTheUniverse. Follow and tag these accounts:

Additional information about the Webb mission can be found on the mission’s websites at https://www.nasa.gov/webb and https://www.webb.nasa.gov/.

Background Image of Earth