ESA title

The mission

The James Webb Space Telescope (Webb) is the next great space science observatory following Hubble, designed to answer outstanding questions about the Universe and to make breakthrough discoveries in all fields of astronomy. Webb will see farther into our origins: from the formation of stars and planets, to the birth of the first galaxies in the early Universe. Webb is an international partnership between NASA, ESA and CSA. The telescope launched on an Ariane 5 from Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana.

The launch

  • Launch date: 25 December 2021
  • Launch location: Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana
  • Launch vehicle: Ariane 5
  • Orbit: Lagrange point 2, 1.5 million km from Earth
Webb

Latest

Cat’s Paw Nebula (NIRCam)
Science & Exploration

Webb scratches under Cat’s Paw Nebula for third anniversary

10/07/2025 3906 views 52 likes
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High-contrast coronograph image of TWA 7b
Science & Exploration

Webb finds evidence of a lightweight planet around TWA 7

25/06/2025 35145 views 95 likes
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Titan (Webb image - 11 July 2023)
Science & Exploration

Titan forecast: partly cloudy with a chance of methane show…

14/05/2025 2650 views 56 likes
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Close-up observations of auroras on Jupiter (December 2023)
Science & Exploration

Webb reveals new details and mysteries in Jupiter’s aurora

12/05/2025 4322 views 50 likes
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No tricks, just treats (M83 MIRI image)
Science & Exploration

Webb spots clues of black hole at heart of nearby galaxy M83

17/04/2025 5527 views 24 likes
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More items

  • Science & Exploration

    Webb reveals “Cosmic Cliffs” – a glittering landscape of star birth

    12/07/2022 39842 views 311 likes
    Open item
    Cosmic Cliffs in Carina – NIRCam
  • Science & Exploration

    Webb reveals steamy atmosphere of distant planet in exquisite detail

    12/07/2022 16358 views 141 likes
    Open item
    Exoplanet WASP-96 b – NIRISS transmission spectrum
  • Science & Exploration

    Webb sheds light on galaxy evolution, black holes

    12/07/2022 28839 views 242 likes
    Open item
    Stephan’s Quintet – NIRCam and MIRI imaging
  • Science & Exploration

    Webb delivers deepest image of Universe yet

    12/07/2022 36897 views 213 likes
    Open item
    Webb’s first deep field (MIRI and NIRCam)
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Webb overview

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