James Webb Space Telescope (2 Viewers)

[HoustonSaint68]

The delays worry me, but then I think "at least they're catching them early". And it doesn't look like they are design errors.

I suppose when you have absolutely zero margin for error, this is what you have to do (note: to me, their ability to “shake” the craft and spin it does not qualify as creating a margin for error).

Even as a childhood space geek, the high level of excitement I feel about this project is surprising to me. I really, really hope this thing works - not least because a failure is going to damage the cause for future space projects pretty severely.

 

[DaveXA]

I'm definitely hoping this turns out well. I used to love space and the cosmos when I was a kid. Was an avid reader of Odyssey magazines back in the day.

 

[superchuck500]

I'm definitely hoping this turns out well. I used to love space and the cosmos when I was a kid. Was an avid reader of Odyssey magazines back in the day.

 

[Merl]

It's understandable but also sucks that it will be at least a month and a half after launch. for it to reach the L2 point and deploy the mirror/heat shield before it will start to take the pictures.

Also because of the distance it is set, at physical upgrades or repairs will be near impossible unlike like what was able to be done with the Hubble telescope.

 

[Sailorsaint]

It's understandable but also sucks that it will be at least a month and a half after launch. for it to reach the L2 point and deploy the mirror/heat shield before it will start to take the pictures.

Also because of the distance it is set, at physical upgrades or repairs will be near impossible unlike like what was able to be done with the Hubble telescope.

That's what is most worrisome. Let's hope they learned their lesson and are double checking, dotting i's, crossing t's, and making sure the batteries are charged.

 

[bonnjer]

Looks like things are getting locked in and ready for a Christmas Eve launch. The issues they had which caused the slight delay seem to be resolved, so it's almost go time.

James Webb Space Telescope given revised 24 December launch

The US and European space agencies are now ready to proceed with the launch of Hubble's successor.

www.yahoo.com

 

[bonnjer]

Nice article. I especially like the post-launch timeline at the end.

As $10 billion James Webb telescope preps for launch, scientists are excited – and nervous

Scientists have for decades anticipated NASA's James Webb Space Telescope. But they are equally nervous about the precision required for its success.

www.yahoo.com

 

[Madmarsha]

That's what is most worrisome. Let's hope they learned their lesson and are double checking, dotting i's, crossing t's, and making sure the batteries are charged.

It's okay. I saw it at the charging station in the Whole Foods parking lot last week.

 

[bonnjer]

It's not the launch we really have to worry about....

The $10 billion James Webb Space Telescope has to unfold itself in space — a nail-biting maneuver NASA's never attempted

Launching NASA's most valuable observatory is stressful enough, but Webb must also unfold itself in space. It has 344 single-failure points.

www.yahoo.com

 

[bonnjer]

If this doesn't get you fired up, you aren't a space nerd.

 

[bonnjer]

No go for Friday launch. Looking at Christmas Day now. Stupid weather.

James Webb Space Telescope launch delayed to Christmas Day

Mission managers will take another look at the forecast Wednesday to confirm a December 25 launch.

www.yahoo.com

 

[HoustonSaint68]

If this doesn't get you fired up, you aren't a space nerd.

I think it moved...

 

[Sailorsaint]

If this doesn't get you fired up, you aren't a space nerd.

Thanks Carl, now I've gotta rewatch Cosmos...

 

[efil4stnias]

Watching 30 years of Hubble on Science Channel right now.

 

[bonnjer]

It's going out to the launch pad tomorrow (Thursday) and Christmas Day launch (7:20 am eastern) confirmed.

Christmas Day launch confirmed for space telescope

After a one-day delay to assess threatening weather, the Webb telescope is on track for launch Saturday.

www.yahoo.com