Following a recent issue during Webb’s launch preparations, the launch readiness date for the James Webb Space Telescope has been pushed back to no earlier than December 22 to allow for extra testing of the observatory.
The event occurred during operations at the satellite preparation facility in Kourou, French Guiana, which is managed by Arianespace. Technicians were prepared to connect Webb to the launch vehicle adapter, which connects the observatory to the upper stage of the Ariane 5 rocket. The unexpected release of a clamp band, which secures Webb to the launch vehicle adaptor, generated a vibration throughout the observatory.
A NASA-led anomaly review board was promptly created to investigate, and additional testing was instituted to ensure that the occurrence did not damage any components. When the testing is done at the end of this week, NASA and its mission partners will deliver an update.
Webb was previously slated to launch on an Arianespace Ariane 5 rocket from Kourou on December 18.
The Webb Space Telescope is a collaboration between European and Canadian space organisations. It will investigate all eras of cosmic history, from our solar system to the most distant detectable galaxies in the early cosmos, and everything in between. Webb will make surprising discoveries that will help humanity understand the beginnings of the universe and our place in it.
According to ESA:-
The European Space Agency (ESA) said it is currently working closely with NASA to plan what it calls a once-in-a-generation mission for the Webb’s launch on an Ariane 5 rocket from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana. Launch teams must prepare and configure the Webb for flight. This includes performing post-shipment checks and carefully loading fuel into the spacecraft’s propellant tanks. The Webb will next be mated to its launch vehicle, an Ariane 5 rocket provided by ESA, and undergo a “dress rehearsal” before rolling out to the launch pad two days before launch.
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