![]() 16 July 2020: JWST launch postponed to 31 October 2021 due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic as well as technical challenges.27 June 2018: JWST launch postponed to 30 March 2021 based on recommendations by an Independent Review Board. ![]() 27 March 2018: JWST launch delayed to at least May 2020 as issues arise, including ones with the propulsion system and potential snagging of the sunshield.January 2017: JWST is fine after experiencing an anomaly during vibration testing in Dec 2016.November 2016: JWST construction completed, with additional testing to come.March 2016: Aft Optics Subsystem installed on OTE.3 March 2016: secondary mirror installed on Optical Telescope Element ( OTE).March 2016: cryogenic testing of instruments and mirrors completed.December 2015: contract for JWST's launcher signed with a launch date of October 2018.February 2015: hexagonal segments of the primary mirror completed.June 2014: first combined test of all four instruments including cryogenic testing in the Goddard Space Environment Simulator.24–25 March 2014: NIRSpec integrated into ISIM.March 2013: FGS/NIRISS installed in the Integrated Science Instrument Module (ISIM).November 2011: JWST survives cancellation attempt.July 2011: James Webb project threatened with cancellation.April 2010: technical part of Mission Critical Design Review (MCDR) passes.January 2007: 9/10 technology development items pass non-advocate review.11 September 2003: $824.8 million prime contract for JWST awarded to TRW.September 2002: NGST named James Webb Space Telescope.2000: NEXUS cancelled (JWST technology demo).1996: Next Generation Space Telescope initiated.JWST cost approximately $10 billion in its design, construction, and five years of operations (does not include extended mission funding), as well as international contributions. ![]() It was announced in December 2021 that due to the accuracy of the orbital insertion and course correction burns, the telescope had more fuel available than originally planned and could operate for "significantly" longer than the original ten year planned life span. The limiting factor is expected to be fuel to maintain its halo orbit, of which there is enough for at least ten years. The telescope is designed to last at least five and a half years (six months calibration plus five years science operations), but with a goal of ten years. It is intended to be the premier observatory of the 2020s, combining the largest mirror yet on a near-infrared space telescope with a suite of technologically advanced instruments from around the world. The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is an international 21st-century space observatory that was launched on 25 December 2021. ![]()
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