Such a complex series of actions is unprecedented - “like nothing we’ve done before,” noted NASA program director Greg Robinson. In all, hundreds of release mechanisms need to work - perfectly - in order for the telescope to succeed. Next, the mirror segments should open up like the leaves of a drop-leaf table, 12 days or so into the flight. If all goes well, the sunshield will be opened three days after liftoff, taking at least five days to unfold and lock into place. At 70 feet by 46 feet (21 meters by 14 meters), it’s the size of a tennis court. Protecting the observatory is a wispy, five-layered sunshield, vital for keeping the light-gathering mirror and heat-sensing infrared detectors at subzero temperatures. The telescope’s showpiece: a gold-plated mirror more than 21 feet (6.5 meters) across. “That picture will be burned into my mind forever,” Zurbuchen told journalists. This would not be good for my life expectancy.”Ĭheers and applause erupted in and outside Launch Control following Webb’s flawless launch, with jubilant scientists embracing one another amid shouts of “Go Webb!” and signs that read: “Bon Voyage Webb.”Ĭameras on the rocket’s upper stage provided one last glimpse of the shimmering telescope against a backdrop of Earth, before it sped away. He described it as a special moment, but added: “It’s very nerve-racking. “We have delivered a Christmas gift today for humanity,” said European Space Agency director general Josef Aschbacher. A few of the launch controllers wore Santa caps in celebration. Last-minute technical snags bumped the launch nearly a week, then gusty wind pushed it to Christmas. Nelson bowed out along with a congressional delegation and many contractors who worked on the telescope.Īround the world, astronomers and countless others tuned in, anxious to see Webb finally taking flight after years of setbacks. With the launch falling on Christmas and a global surge in COVID-19 cases, there were fewer spectators at the French Guiana launch site than expected.
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