NASA successfully launched the James Webb space telescope, a 'time machine' that gives us a look into the past of the Universe

NASA has successfully launched the James Webb Space Telescope - a $10 billion device that is likened to a time machine that allows humanity to look into the past.

From the Kourou spaceport, French Guiana, the Ariane 5 rocket has brought the wonder of mankind to safety. The telescope will observe the light emitted by stars, the first galaxies, and detect signs of life on stars and planets in and out of the Solar System.

The James Webb Space Telescope is in the assembly phase.

After more than 3 decades, the US NASA and other space agencies have just completed the James Webb Glass, there are even scientists who were not born when the first drawing of James Webb was completed. Before the Hubble came into operation, astronomers were already thinking about building the next generation of telescopes.

The countdown and successful launch of the Ariane 5 rocket, the "ride" to launch the James Webb space telescope into the air.

After many years of delay, development costs increased day by day, James Webb Glasses was also officially completed and failed. Before the start of the research period expected to last 10 years, the James Webb telescope will have to make the journey to the Lagrange 2 point.

Fire up to the atmosphere. Illustration by NASA.

The compartment cover is removed, revealing neatly folded James Webb glasses. Image courtesy of NASA.

The booster part was removed, remaining James Webb glasses and a small booster. Image courtesy of NASA.

James Webb's telescope flies to a predetermined position - Lagrange point 2. Image courtesy of NASA.

Actual image shows James Webb glasses on their way to point L2. Peace on the road!

At point L2, James Webb will 'spread his wings' - a giant shield that shields radiation from both the Sun and Earth. The process is so complex that the shield opening system requires 140 opening mechanisms, 70 hinges, 400 pulleys, 90 cables and eight motors. The steps to open the shield must take place with absolute precision, or the James Webb glass will become space waste.

Over the next month, scientists patiently wait for the James Webb telescope to reach the Lagrange 2 point 1.5 million kilometers from Earth, and perform complex preparations before it goes into operation. 

An illustration of James Webb glasses when the radiation shield is successfully stretched.

The James Webb Space Telescope will open a new chapter for the history of astronomy in particular, and the history of mankind in general. Like every other advanced billion-dollar research device, James Webb will certainly bring back unprecedented data, helping us better understand the Universe itself as well as the place of humans in the universe. timeline.

David Pac

Update 26 December 2021