James Webb Space Telescope

[bknight]

I'd rather see them testing vigorously and thoroughly than succumbing to time pressure, skipping tests and ending up "doing a Hubble". This beast will be at L2.... for all intents and purposes, unreachable if the slightest thing goes wrong. There will be no JWST Repair Missions if that happens.

That's why I started the thread, my concerns for doing this right, they only have one chance.

[bknight]

James Webb is Fully Stowed Into its Launch Configuration.

https://www.universetoday.com/146091/james-webb-is-fully-stowed-into-its-launch-configuration/

Scheduled liftoff: March 30th, 2021, (or maybe July 2021.)

[Peter B]

James Webb is Fully Stowed Into its Launch Configuration.

https://www.universetoday.com/146091/james-webb-is-fully-stowed-into-its-launch-configuration/

Scheduled liftoff: March 30th, 2021, (or maybe July 2021.)

Good luck to it. I hope it doesn't experience any Galileo-style problems due to the delays in launching it.

[bknight]

James Webb is Fully Stowed Into its Launch Configuration.

https://www.universetoday.com/146091/james-webb-is-fully-stowed-into-its-launch-configuration/

Scheduled liftoff: March 30th, 2021, (or maybe July 2021.)

Good luck to it. I hope it doesn't experience any Galileo-style problems due to the delays in launching it.

Well

To test the James Webb Space Telescope’s readiness for its journey in space, technicians successfully commanded it to deploy and extend a critical part of the observatory known as the Deployable Tower Assembly.

The primary purpose of the deployable tower is to create a large gap between the upper part of the observatory that houses its iconic gold mirrors and scientific instruments, and the lower section known as the spacecraft bus which holds its comparatively warm electronics and propulsion systems. By creating a space between the two, it allows for Webb’s active and passive cooling systems to bring its mirrors and sensors down to staggeringly cold temperatures required to perform optimal science.

https://www.nasa.gov/feature/goddard/2020/tower-extension-test-a-success-for-nasa-s-james-webb-space-telescope

Looks like they read your mind, I also hope it doesn't experience any issues with this complicated procedure.

[bknight]

Planned March 2021 launch date is likely to slip to July:
https://arstechnica.com/science/2020/01/report-webb-telescope-has-just-a-12-percent-chance-of-making-launch-date/

And just after NASA announces,

Despite initial comments by NASA officials that work would be suspended entirely on the telescope, activities did continue there, including a test announced by NASA June 9 of its Deployable Tower Assembly that separates the mirror from the spacecraft bus.

the agency confirmed the Mar 21 launch date is a no go.

https://spacenews.com/nasa-confirms-jwst-will-miss-march-2021-launch-date/

Looks like the July is a better bet, but I'm not that hopeful since they didn't even list a target date.

[bknight]

Here is a comprehensive update by Fraser Cain.
https://www.universetoday.com/146506/well-it-looks-like-james-webb-is-getting-delayed-again-but-it-should-still-launch-in-2021/

“I’m very optimistic about this thing getting off the launch pad in 2021.”
Thomas Zurbuchen, NASA Associate Administrator for Science.

I'm hoping everything comes together.

[bknight]

Comprehensive test of the satellite, still aiming for Oct 2121 launch.
https://www.universetoday.com/147073/james-webb-completes-a-comprehensive-systems-test-for-the-first-time/

[ajv]

... still aiming for Oct 2121 launch.

Yeah, probably.

[bknight]

Actually I made a fat finger entry on the launch date it should have been Oct. 2021.

[apollo16uvc]

If this thing fails there won't be a budget for anything comparable for the foreseeable 50 years.

Much like how many won't see anything comparable to the Pioneer or Voyager probes in their lifetime. (Partially due to a shortage on the radioactive material with a long enough lifespan.)

[bknight]

The engineers put the spacecraft through on ground tests.
https://www.universetoday.com/147597/james-webb-is-working-perfectly-on-the-ground-next-trick-doing-it-from-space/

Hopefully still looking to Mar 2021.

[bknight]

One final successful ground test.  https://www.nasa.gov/feature/goddard/2020/webb-sunshield-successfully-unfolds-and-tensions-in-final-tests/

Nothing on the launch date so I'll stay with Mar 2021.

[molesworth]

One final successful ground test.  https://www.nasa.gov/feature/goddard/2020/webb-sunshield-successfully-unfolds-and-tensions-in-final-tests/

Nothing on the launch date so I'll stay with Mar 2021.

Fingers crossed!  I've been watching and waiting for this mission for a long time.  (It also has some of my company's tech, and a Scottish-built instrument on board  )

[raven]

Given we can't give James Webb glasses like we could Hubble, I don't blame them for wanting to be extra super, duper careful with making sure this goes well, especially with how much novel technology is at play here. That said, I definitely want to see  it fly before the next US presidential election.

[bknight]

One final successful ground test.  https://www.nasa.gov/feature/goddard/2020/webb-sunshield-successfully-unfolds-and-tensions-in-final-tests/

Nothing on the launch date so I'll stay with Mar 2021.

Fingers crossed!  I've been watching and waiting for this mission for a long time.  (It also has some of my company's tech, and a Scottish-built instrument on board  )

What is the Scottish-built instrument?