NASA’s $8.8-billionJames Webb Space Telescope, the world’s largest and most expensive one, has successfully
passed final
thermal vacuum test, making its parts cleared for use in
space.
The 6.5-meter diameter telescope has 18 gold-coated mirrors and
a tennis court-sized sun-shield to gather light and protect its instruments.
The telescope set to launch
in 2021. It took 20 years to build.
James
Webb Space Telescope (JWST):
Operators: NASA / ESA / CSA / STScI
Mission
duration: 5 years (design),
10 years (goal)
Launch
date: March 30, 2021
(planned)
Launch
mass: 6,500 kg
It is planned to be the successor to the Hubble Space
Telescope.
It will provide greatly improved resolution and
sensitivity over the Hubble and will enable a broad range of investigations
across the fields of astronomy
and cosmology.
