The James Webb Space Telescope has reached its final destination after nearly a month since its launch into space.
The James Webb Space Telescope was launched into space from French Guiana on December 25, 2021. By January 24, it had entered its designated orbit known as L2 – its final destination.
This telescope’s observation point is nearly one million miles (approximately 1.6 million kilometers) from Earth – a distance greater than that of the Moon. As a result, the James Webb can help humanity study the universe in new ways and observe the atmospheres of other planets.
The James Webb Space Telescope was launched into space from French Guiana on December 25, 2021.
NASA Administrator Bill Nelson congratulated the James Webb control team: “They have ensured Webb’s safe arrival at L2. This allows us to take another step forward in exploring the mysteries of the universe.”
While the Hubble Space Telescope orbits Earth, the James Webb will orbit the Sun. The orbit of the James Webb will keep the telescope aligned with Earth. This position protects the telescope from heat emitted by the Sun, Earth, and even the Moon.
Space telescopes must always remain cool because they observe the universe in infrared light. The entire telescope and spacecraft need to be shielded from bright heat sources.
The L2 orbit is an ideal stopping point for the James Webb because here, the gravitational forces of the Sun and Earth will ensure that the spacecraft does not need to use much propulsion to remain in orbit. At the same time, this position also provides the space telescope with an unobstructed view to observe the universe.
In the next five months, the spacecraft carrying the James Webb will calibrate all its instruments. The first images from this telescope are expected to be sent back to Earth this summer.
