NASA’s Webb Observatory Requires More Time for Testing and Evaluation; New Launch Window Under Review

Posted on April 21, 2018 Updated on April 21, 2018

NASA Release by Jen Rae Wang / Steve Cole
Headquarters, Washington’

 

 

NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope currently is undergoing final integration and test phases that will require more time to ensure a successful mission. After an independent assessment of remaining tasks for the highly complex space observatory, Webb’s previously revised 2019 launch window now is targeted for approximately May 2020. 

“Webb is the highest priority project for the agency’s Science Mission Directorate, and the largest international space science project in U.S. history. All the observatory’s flight hardware is now complete, however, the issues brought to light with the spacecraft element are prompting us to take the necessary steps to refocus our efforts on the completion of this ambitious and complex observatory,” said acting NASA Administrator Robert Lightfoot.

 

Read the rest of this entry »