The James Webb Telescope is a next generation telescope that will surpass the Hubble in size, resolution, and sensitivity. NASA, the Canadian Space Agency, and the European Space Agency, have joined together for research and development for the telescope.

Unlike its predecessor, the Hubble, the James Webb Telescope will not orbit the Earth. Instead, it will orbit the sun. This will allow it to observe faint distance objects while shielding itself from any bright light that might interfere with the telescope sensitive mirrors and instruments.

October 2018 was the original launch date for the James Webb Telescope. However, recent complications with the telescope’s construction have set back the launch date to no earlier than 2020.

Further tests on the telescope’s intricate systems need to be completed before the launch date. These tests include checking the resistance of the sun shields, replacing the faulty parts of propulsion system, and fixing problems related to hardware.

“I hope the telescope launches successfully, because that would be a great achievement for humanity,”  said Antonio Thompson,11.

The cost of delaying the launch date two years will exceed 8 billion dollars, which is more than Congress has appropriated towards the project. Congress will have to authorize the project after the funding has been exceeded. NASA hopes that the telescope is important enough for renewal and additional funding.

If the James Webb Telescope and accompanying launch are successful, then this will be a milestone for being the largest international space science project in US history. For this reason, all interested parties are very keen on making sure the launch happens flawlessly. Every possible error needs to accounted and rectified for so that a project of this magnitude is successful.