NASA postpones launch of world's most powerful space telescope
The launch of the James Webb Space Telescope is expected to be delayed until early 2021.
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The James Webb Telescope will operate 1.5 million km from Earth. Photo:Healththroughfare |
Despite being behind schedule, facing unexpected delays and cost overruns, the James Webb Space Telescope project is still moving forward, according to NASA's Independent Review Board (IRB).NTDJune 29 news.
“James Webb should continue to be conducted based on its extraordinary scientific potential and its vital role in maintaining America’s leadership in astronomy and astrophysics,” said Tom Young, IRB chair.
The telescope was originally scheduled to launch in October 2018, but the plan has been changed several times. The latest launch date for James Webb, according to NASA, is March 30, 2021.
The initial cost of developing the James Webb was $8 billion. Due to some difficulties, that number has increased to $8.8 billion. The total cost of the project is now estimated at $9.66 billion. Not only technical problems but also human errors have contributed to the project's delays, the IRB said.
The James Webb Space Telescope is expected to be a huge step forward in observing the universe. When completed, it will operate about 1.5 million kilometers above Earth and focus on distant galaxies. James Webb will have a less obstructed view than ground-based telescopes or the Hubble Space Telescope.
James Webb will be 100 times more sensitive than Hubble, according to NASA. It will be able to "look back" in time and space, observing the first stars that formed in the early universe. James Webb will be folded up and launched into space on an Ariane 5 rocket. When unfolded, the telescope's primary mirror will be 6.5 meters in diameter.
