Immediately after Webb separates from the rocket, ESA’s tracking station network, ESTRACK, will follow the Early Orbit Phase operations using its Malindi ground station in collaboration with NASA’s station network. Moments after completing a 26-minute ride aboard the Ariane 5 launch vehicle, the spacecraft will separate from the rocket and its solar array will deploy automatically. We are really excited that all the items necessary for the launch are now coming together at Europe’s Spaceport,' said Günther Hasinger, ESA Director of Science.Īfter launch, Webb will undergo an action-packed six-month commissioning period. 'We are glad about the completion of all tests for Webb and thank all the teams for their excellent work. Besides that, ESA is contributing the NIRSpec instrument and a 50% share of the MIRI instrument, as well as personnel to support mission operations. Working with partners, ESA was responsible for the development and qualification of Ariane 5 adaptations for the Webb mission and for the procurement of the launch service. The James Webb Space Telescope is an amazing feat of human ingenuity – a mission with contributions from thousands of scientists, engineers, and other professionals from more than 14 countries and 29 states, in nine different time zones.

The upper stage of the Ariane 5 rocket which will launch the James Webb Space Telescope is on its way to Europe’s Spaceport

Nasa webb telescope tests