NASA's James Webb Space Telescope mission: Live updates

Fast forward to Webb's first look

NASA is continuing to adjust the individual mirror segments of the James Webb Space Telescope as the observatory continues its trek to orbit nearly 1 million miles (1.5 million kilometers) away from Earth. In the meantime, we're looking ahead to the big moment: What will the observatory look at first? Read more>

Time to adjust those mirrors

NASA has confirmed that the team behind the James Webb Space Telescope have begun the process of aligning the observatory's mirrors, which were stowed for launch. The preliminary adjustments will take about 10 days, according to a mission timeline, although NASA expects to spend about three months to completely align the panels into a working telescope. Read more>

Onto Webb's mirror segments

According to a NASA timeline, the team behind the James Webb Space Telescope will likely begin moving the 18 individual segments of the observatory's hexagonal golden mirror out of their launch configurations on Wednesday (Jan. 12).

This process is slow and finicky, and is expected to take about 10 days. Each of the 18 primary mirror segments is held in place by seven different actuators that can adjust their position and curvature super precisely. But even once this process is complete, the observatory team will need to spend about three more months getting the honeycomb of mirrors to work together to produce one sharp image.

Webb has been in space for 18 days now and is more than 82% of the way to its final destination. The observatory will orbit a point called the Earth-sun Lagrange point 2, or L2, which is located nearly 1 million miles (1.5 million kilometers) away from Earth on the side opposite the sun. The observatory has covered more than 740,000 miles (1.2 million km) and has 160,000 miles (250,000 km) more to go.

You can track the telescope's location, temperature and deployment via NASA.

Webb keeps trekking out to space

NASA has again delayed beginning work on aligning the individual mirror segments of the James Webb Space Telescope, according to an agency timeline, with that project now scheduled to begin Wednesday (Jan. 12). The process will take several days and moves the 18 individual hexagons of the golden primary mirror out of their launch configuration.

In the meantime, Webb continues its long journey out to Earth-sun Lagrange point 2, or L2. The observatory is currently 80% of the way to L2 and has traveled nearly 725,000 miles (1.16 million kilometers) away from Earth. To follow Webb's journey, consult NASA's tracking website for the observatory, which also tracks the deployment process.

Webb work continues

Adjustments to the 18 golden mirror segments of Webb's primary mirror are due to begin tomorrow, Jan. 11, according to the deployment timeline provided by NASA. That process is expected to take several days and marks the observatory's transition from deployment into commissioning.

Meanwhile, the observatory continues its trek out to its station orbiting Earth-sun Lagrange point 2, or L2, which is located about 1 million miles (1.5 million kilometers) away from Earth on the side opposite the sun. As of today (Jan. 10), the telescope is more than 78% of the way to orbit, having traveled more than 700,000 miles (1.1 million km) from Earth, according to NASA's observatory tracker.

Mirror alignment to begin for Webb Space Telescope

With the James Webb Space Telescope now fully deployed, work is expected to begin today to start aligning the 18 individual mirrors that make up the observatory's primary mirror. It is not a fast process.

Full story: The James Webb Space Telescope is fully deployed. So what's next?

"This operation is a multi-day multi-step activity to activate and move each of its 18 primary mirror segments (which are adjustable) out of their launch configuration, NASA wrote in a deployment guide. "The primary mirror segments and secondary mirror are moved by six actuators that are attached to the back of each mirror piece. The primary mirror segments also have an additional actuator at its center that adjusts its curvature. The telescope's tertiary mirror remains stationary."

The primary mirror is Webb's main light collection surface. It will reflect light to the tertiary mirror located on booms in front of the telescope, which then bounces the light into Webb's instruments. 

Each of the 18 segments of the primary mirror is plated in a shiny, but ultra thin, layer of gold. If left in launch position, they would act as individual telescopes with images that would be fuzzy and unclear. Once aligned, the mirror segments will act as one giant mirror 21.3 feet (6.5 meters) across, the largest ever in space. 

NASA has estimated that it could take up to 120 days after launch for Webb's mirror alignment work to be complete. The first photos from Webb are not expected until about five months after launch once commissioning ends. -- Tariq Malik

Here's a look at how Webb's focusing works: 

James Webb Space Telescope deployment success

An elated mission team for NASA's James Webb Space Telescope confirmed that the space observatory is in great shape after a deployment phase that was 100% successful.

"It is a fully deployed telescope ready to perform fantastic science to expand our knowledge," said John Durning, Webb Deputy Project Manager of NASA Goddard.

Up next for the Webb team is a five-month commissioning phase to calibrate the telescope's optics and adjust its mirrors. Webb is currently making its way to its final observing site nearly 1 million miles (1.6 km) from Earth and is due to arrive around Jan. 23. 

To enter orbit around its Lagrange 2 point, Webb will have to perform a short maneuver, but it is expected to go well. 

You can read our wrap story on today's Webb mirror deployment success here. -- Tariq Malik

NASA Webb Space Telescope press conference underway

NASA's post-deployment press conference is underway now and you can watch it live in the video window at the top of this page. 

NASA is holding two panels, one on the deployment's success and the other on what's next for the Webb Space Telescope. 

Here's a rundown of the speakers for the briefing:

Panel on Webb Space Telescope deployment success

Bill Ochs, Webb Project Manager, NASA Goddard

Mike Menzel, Mission Systems Engineer, NASA Goddard 

Scott Willoughby, Vice President and Program Manager, Webb, Northrop Grumman

Vince Heeg, Deputy Program Manager, Northrop Grumman

Panel on what's next for James Webb Space Telescope

John Durning, Webb Deputy Project Manager, NASA Goddard

Lee Feinberg, Webb Optical Telescope Element Manager, NASA Goddard

Jane Rigby, Webb Operations Project Scientist, NASA Goddard 

Heidi Hammel, Vice President for Science, Space Telescope Science Institute

Success! Webb Space Telescope primary mirror latched

James Webb Space Telescope mission engineers confirmed that the observatory's starboard primary mirror wing successfully latched into place at 1:17 p.m. EST (1817 GMT), marking an end to a two-week process that was NASA's most-complicated deployment in space telescope history. 

Cheers erupted at Webb's mission operations center at the Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore, Maryland, as the mission team now prepares for an arduous three-month process to align and calibrate the $10 billion space telescope. 

"Today, NASA achieved another engineering milestone decades in the making!" NASA Administrator Bill Nelson said on Twitter. "While the journey is not complete, I join the Webb team in breathing a little easier and imagining the future breakthroughs bound to inspire the world."

NASA will hold a press conference at 2:30 p.m. EST (1930 GMT) for today's successful deployment. You'll be able to watch that live here at start time.

Latching underway for Webb telescope mirror

James Webb Space Telescope engineers have passed the halfway mark in latching the observatory's starboard mirror wing in place. 

The latching process began shortly after 10:30 a.m. EST (1530 GMT) and was expected to take around two hours to complete.

Webb Space Telescope mirror fully deployed!

It's official, the primary mirror of NASA's James Webb Space Telescope is completely deployed, the final step of its unprecedented two-week deployment phase that began with a Dec. 25 launch. 

"I just feel this kind of glow in my chest right now just seeing that mirror deployed all together," NASA scientist Michelle Thaller said in a live webcast as the Webb mission team applauded and shared high-fives. 

Webb space telescope starboard mirror in motion

The Webb Space Telescope's mission operations team has commanded Webb to deploy its starboard mirror wing. 

It should take 4 to 5 minutes for the mirror segment to swing into place, after which it will take a few hours to latch into place. 

Launch locks released from Webb mirror

The four launch locks securing the Webb Space Telescope's starboard mirror wing in place have successfully been unlocked, freeing the mirror segment for its final move.

A series of motors successfully worked to unlock the launch locks. They were the final critical movies of 178 mechanism firings that were vital to go smoothly for Webb's deployment over the last two weeks, NASA says. Those actions were non-redundant, if one failed it would have doomed the Webb Space Telescope. 

"178 out of 178, congratulations," Webb's Mission Operations Manager just said.  

The mirror segment is expected to begin slowly moving soon, with major movement to begin in about 20 minutes. Once in place, it will take about two hours to latch it securely in place. -- Tariq Malik

Final mirror unfolding begins for Webb Space Telescope

NASA has begun unfolding the final mirror wing for the James Webb Space Telescope. You can watch it in the live video feed at the top of this page. 

Telescope controllers are working to send commands that will remove the launch locks on Webb's starboard mirror wing. Today's mirror unfolding will swing three final mirror segments into place to complete the 18-segment primary mirror deployment, the final step for Webb's two-week deployment phase. 

Here's a closer look at the primary mirror of James Webb Space Telescope

Webb Space Telescope final deployment underway

NASA's James Webb Space Telescope mirror deployment webcast is underway. You can watch it above here hosted by NASA scientist Michelle Thaller. 

NASA to webcast Webb final mirror deployment

Update for 9 a.m. EST: NASA's live webcast appears delayed. Once it begins, it will appear on this page.

It's a major day for the James Webb Space Telescope. Two weeks after its Dec. 25 launch, The Webb space telescope is scheduled to unfold its final mirror segment today, Jan. 8, today.  

NASA will webcast the deployment of the Webb's starboard primary mirror segment live, with a livestream beginning no earlier than 9 a.m. EST (1400 GMT). You'll be able to watch that live on this page once it begins. 

Today's mirror deployment will use motors to swing Webb's starboard primary mirror wing, which consists of three mirror segments, into its final position. It will then be latched into place. 

"Upon completion, Webb will have concluded its major deployment sequence," NASA officials wrote in an update on Friday after Webb's port mirror wing was deployed.

After today's mirror deployment, NASA will hold a press conference to begin no earlier than 1:30 p.m. EST ( 1730 GMT). -- Tariq Malik

Live webcast delayed to Saturday

The Virtual Telescope Project's live webcast of the James Webb Space Telescope in deep space has been postponed until Saturday (Jan. 8), because clouds above the observatory Italy did not clear up in time to see it today. The webcast is scheduled to begin at 4:30 p.m. EST (2130 GMT). 

The weather forecast for Saturday's observation looks more promising, Gianluca Masi of the Virtual Telescope Project told Space.com in an email. 

Virtual Telescope Project JWST webcast delayed

Astrophysicist Gianluca Masi of the Virtual Telescope Project near Rome, Italy will broadcast live views of the distant James Webb Space Telescope today, beginning at 5:30 p.m. EST (2230 GMT). The webcast was originally scheduled to begin an hour earlier, but clouds are currently blocking the view. 

You can tune in live in the window above, courtesy of the Virtual Telescope Project.

Read more: Watch the James Webb Space Telescope soar through space in this livestream today!

1st mirror wing deployed

The James Webb Space Telescope unfolded the first of two wing segments on its hexagonal gold-coated primary mirror on Friday (Jan. 7). NASA received confirmation of the successful deployment at approximately 2:11 p.m. EST (1911 GMT), agency officials wrote in a blog post.  

Full story: James Webb Space Telescope has unfolded 1st wing of massive golden mirror

Webb's main mirror deployment has begun!

The James Webb Space Telescope has begun unfolding the left side panel of its golden primary mirror, according to a NASA statement published just before 9:30 a.m. EST (1430 GMT). The panel holds three of the hexagonal mirror segments the observatory uses to catch light.

During the deployment, team members will unlatch the wing from its stored position, then motors will unfold the panel in a process expected to take about five minutes. Then, the team will spend about two hours latching the panel into place, according to the statement.

The team is expected to repeat the process tomorrow (Jan. 8) on the right side of the observatory, which will mark the last major unfolding from the spacecraft's launch position. That event will be livestreamed beginning around 9 a.m. EST (1400 GMT), NASA has stated.

Webb main mirror deployment begins today

The James Webb Space Telescope will begin its final major unfolding events today with the first of two primary mirror deployments. 

Today, Webb is expected to unfold and secure its port primary mirror wing, which contains three of the space telescope's 18 hexagon-shaped mirror segments. 

"Webb's final series of major deployments is planned to start tomorrow, Jan. 7, with the rotation into position of the first of two primary mirror wings," NASA wrote in an update on Jan. 6. "The second primary mirror wing – Webb’s final major spacecraft deployment – is planned for Saturday, Jan. 8."

Webb's two primary mirror wings, port and starboard, each have three mirror segments. They were folded back behind the central mirror face during launch in order to fit inside the payload fairing of Webb's Ariane 5 rocket. 

In other Webb news, the European Space Agency released a stunning HD video of the James Webb Space Telescope captured just after it separated from its Ariane 5 rocket. You can watch that video of Webb here. It is the last view of the space telescope we'll ever see.

Why is it the last view? The James Webb Space Telescope doesn't have onboard cameras. 

Webb Mirror deployment webcast update

This is an update to note that NASA's webcast of the James Webb Space Telescope's mirror deployment will actually occur on Saturday, Jan. 8, at a time still to be determined based on NASA's latest live broadcast schedule. 

Webb's flight controllers plan to deploy the the telescope's aft radiator as soon as today before proceeding with the port and starboard mirror deployments on Friday and Saturday. Sorry for any confusion, space fans! -- Tariq Malik

James Webb Space Telescope to deploy port mirror wing

The James Webb Space Telescope is expected to begin unfolding its primary mirror today, Jan. 6, starting with the port side. 

In what could be a two-day process, Webb will unfold first the port side and then the starboard side wings of its 18-segment primary mirror, which is made up of shiny gold hexagons. There are three mirror segments on each wing. 

Each of the wings were folded for launch in order to fit inside the payload fairing of Webb's Ariane 5 rocket. 

While the mirror unfolding process is scheduled to take two days, it could occur faster. Webb's mission operations team has been running ahead of schedule for several key steps. 

NASA will webcast today's Webb mirror deployment on NASA TV. A time has not been released for the webcast's start. Once we have more information, we'll share that here. -- Tariq Malik

James Webb Space Telescope secondary mirror latched securely

The secondary mirror of NASA's James Webb Space Telescope is now securely latched into place, marking a successful end to today's deployment step. NASA's webcast has ended. You can read our full story by senior writer Tereza Pultarova here.

Deploying the mirror is the latest critical step for the Webb space telescope. The secondary mirror will focus light from the main mirror into the observatory's optics. 

Over the next few days, Webb will deploy its aft radiator, followed by folding out the two side segments, or wings, of its main mirror. Those steps will mark the final major deployment stages of the telescope. 

Engineers will still have to move each of the 18 primary mirror segments out of their launch configuration so that they can be calibrated for observations. Once that is complete (slated for 15 days after launch), the next major step will be Webb's arrival into orbit around its L2 point.

Webb space telescope secondary mirror deployed

NASA reports that the secondary mirror of the James Webb Space Telescope has successfully unfolded and is now in position. 

Mission operations controllers are now working to drive latches into place to secure the mirror in its deployed configuration. Here's a look of how the operation went:

NASA Webb mirror deployment webcast begins

NASA's live webcast of the James Webb Space Telescope's secondary mirror deployment has begun! You can watch live in the window above.

NASA to Webbcast secondary tescope mirror deployment

Update: NASA's webcast will now begin at 10:20 a.m. EST (1520 GMT). 

NASA's James Webb Space Telescope will deploy its secondary mirror today and you'll be able to follow the milestone live in a webcast today beginning at 10:20 a.m. EST (1520 GMT). 

During this step, Webb will unfold a series of booms that hold the secondary mirror out in front of the observatory's main multi-segmented mirror. You'll be able to watch the live webcast on this page once it begins, and you can watch it directly from NASA here.

"Webb's secondary mirror is at the end of the Secondary Mirror Support Structure (SMSS)," NASA wrote in a deployment description. "As it is deployed, its long booms will swing the secondary mirror out in front of the primary mirror. The secondary mirror plays an important role in reflecting the light from the primary mirror to where the instruments sit, behind the primary mirror."

On Monday, Webb completed its huge sunshield deployment. Here's a look at what's ahead this week for the James Webb Space Telescope this week.

Listen to NASA's sunshield briefing

Today's live broadcast of the Webb telescope sunshield and deployments media teleconference did not air live on NASA TV as the agency said it would — but you can now listen to a recording of the briefing on YouTube. 

NASA briefing coming soon...

NASA officials will hold a media teleconference at 12:45 p.m EST (1745 GMT) today to discuss the recently completed deployment of the James Webb Space Telescope's sunshield and go over next steps for the observatory. 

You can listen to the teleconference live in the window above, courtesy of NASA TV, or directly via nasa.gov/live.

James Webb Space Telescope sunshield tensioning complete!

NASA has just confirmed that the fifth and final layer of the James Webb Space Telescope's heat shield has been successfully tensioned, marking the end of the sunshield deployment work that began last week.

"This is an historic day," NASA scientist Michelle Thaller said during a live webcast. "The first major phase of the deployment of the sunshield has been compete."

Our wrap story on the event will be posted shortly.

NASA webcast for Webb sunshield tensioning

Update: NASA's Webb sunshield tensioning webcast is under way. Watch live above for the critical milestone for the James Webb Space Telescope.

It's Day 2 of sunshield tensioning for NASA's James Webb Space Telescope and the space agency will webcast live views from Webb's mission operations center in Baltimore, Maryland today starting at 9:30 a.m. EST (1430 GMT). You'll be able to watch that live here in the window above at start time.

NASA did not state how long the webcast will last, but the agency does have another event scheduled for 11:25 a.m. EST from the International Space Station, so it likely won't last beyond that. 

Webb's sunshield tightening is the final step in the intricate unfurling of the space telescope's tennis court-sized shield to protect it from sunlight and keep it cool enough for science. It involves using a series of motors to position and tighten the five ultra-thin layers of Webb's reflective sunshield. 

The process began on Monday, Jan. 3, with Layer 1 tightening and was expected to end as soon as Wednesday, Jan. 5. However, NASA is way ahead of schedule. As of late Monday, three of the five sunshield layers have been successfully tightened, the agency said in an update on Twitter.

Webb space telescope in good health, tensioning beginning

NASA's James Webb Space Telescope is in good health and will begin tensioning its huge sunshield today, its mission team said today. 

In a media teleconference, NASA officials said Webb will begin tightening the tension on the 1st layer of the five-layer sunshield on Webb today after two days of rest and power system optimization. 

Two issues occurred over the New Year's Day holiday weekend.

First, Webb's solar arrays were not generating as much power as they could due to their factory settings. At no point was the space telescope in need of power, but NASA rebalanced the arrays so that they can now work at their peak efficiency. 

Second, the motors used to tension Webb's sunshield were not staying cool enough as flight controllers preferred. They commanded Webb to change its orientation in space in a way that will keep its motors cooler during the deployment phase. 

With both of those fixes in, Webb appears to be doing well in its deployment. 

The tensioning process for Webb's sunshield should take at least three days, NASA officials said.

NASA to hold press conference on Webb deployment

NASA will hold a media teleconference at 11:30 a.m. EST (1630 GMT) today, Jan. 3, and you can listen to it live here, courtesy of NASA TV. You can also watch directly from NASA here.

This teleconference will update the public on the James Webb Space Telescope's deployment after its sunshield was deployed on Dec. 31. 

NASA paused deployment activities on Saturday, Jan. 1, to give its team a rest. The team then spent Sunday studying Webb's power systems before proceeding with the final steps for sunshield deployment.

James Webb Space Telescope tension could begin today

After a day of delay, NASA James Webb Space Telescope flight controllers are expected to begin the sunshield tightening process on the new space observatory today, Jan. 3. 

The process, which could take at least two days, was initially slated to begin yesterday, but NASA opted to stand down and instead study Webb's power systems to make sure they were working properly after a week in space. 

The sunshield tightening process involves activating a series of motors on Webb that will separate, and then tighten, the five layers of the space telescope's gossamer sunshield, which is blocks out sunlight from the infrared observatory's sensitive instruments so it can better study the universe.  -- Tariq Malik

NASA delays Webb sunshield tensioning

NASA flight controllers have delayed today's planned tensioning of the James Webb Space Telescope's sunshield in order to work on the observatory's power systems. 

"This will ensure Webb is in prime condition to begin the next major deployment step in its unfolding process," NASA officials wrote in an update today (Jan. 2). 

Read our full story by Senior Writer Meghan Bartels.

The sunshield tensioning process will now begin no earlier than Monday, Jan. 3, and is expected to take at least two days. Flight controllers made the decision earlier today in order to optimize the power systems on the Webb space telescope.

"Specifically, the team is analyzing how the power subsystem is operating now that several of the major deployments have been completed," NASA wrote in the update. "Simultaneously, the deployments team is working to make sure motors that are key to the tensioning process are at the optimal temperatures prior to beginning that operation."

Webb's step-by-step deployment process is designed in such a way that it can be stopped and started along the way as required, according to NASA officials. The flight control team wants to use some extra time to better understand how Webb is behaving in space, and how it is differing from simulations based on computer testing on the ground.

“Nothing we can learn from simulations on the ground is as good as analyzing the observatory when it’s up and running,” said Bill Ochs, NASA's Webb project manager at the Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, said in the update. "Now is the time to take the opportunity to learn everything we can about its baseline operations. Then we will take the next steps." -- Tariq Malik

Webb ratchets up the tension today

It's time to raise the tension on NASA's James Webb Space Telescope. 

After taking New Year's Day off on Saturday to rest up after a long Friday night unfolding Webb's massive sunshield, the mission team aims to begin tensioning the shield's five layers today to lock them in place. 

It should take at least two full days to lock Webb's sunshield in place, which marks the final step in its weeklong deployment process. The process involves Webb separating the five layers of its sunshield, which unfolded in a single group and then tensioning them so they are tightly secured for the space telescope's lifetime. 

NASA expects to complete the sunshield tightening step on Monday, Jan. 3, and will then hold a press teleconference to update the public on the space telescope's status. - Tariq Malik

Taking a rest day

The team overseeing the deployment of the James Webb Space Telescope are taking today (Jan. 1) off, according to a NASA statement. Yesterday's procedure, deploying the two booms that support the width of the observatory's massive sunshield, ran later into the day than personnel had hoped. And the next step is even more daunting: a two-day process of separating the five delicate layers of the vast sunshield.

That work will begin tomorrow (Jan. 2), the statement noted, and is expected to take two days to complete. Read more>

James Webb unfurls its sunshield!

The James Webb Space Telescope successfully unfurled its massive sunshield on Friday (Dec. 31), notching a huge milestone in its long and complex deployment campaign. Read our full story about it here.

The sunshield, which will help keep Webb's optics and instruments cool enough to detect faint heat signals from the early universe, unfolded via two "mid-booms," which were extended over two roughly three-hour stretches on Friday.

The boom extension activities were delayed slightly while Webb team members checked to make sure the sunshield's protective cover had fully rolled up as needed. But everything worked out just fine.

"Today is an example of why we continue to say that we don’t think our deployment schedule might change, but that we expect it to change," Keith Parrish, Webb observatory manager at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, said in a blog post update Friday night.

"The team did what we had rehearsed for this kind of situation — stop, assess and move forward methodically with a plan," Parrish said. "We still have a long way to go with this whole deployment process."

Next up is tensioning of the sunshield's five layers, which could be complete as early as Sunday (Jan. 2). After that, the Webb team will shift their focus to mirror deployment.

Sunshield halfway unfurled!

The James Webb Space Telescope has successfully deployed its sunshield port mid-boom, unfurling half of the huge membranous structure.

"The deployment of the 5 telescoping segments of the mid-boom began around 1:30pm ET and reached full deployment at 4:49 pm," mission team members said via Twitter today (Dec. 31). "Webb's deployment steps are all human-controlled, so the schedule can change. The team plans to deploy the starboard mid-boom tonight."

There was indeed a schedule change today: The mid-boom deployments were supposed to happen earlier, but Webb's handlers took extra time to make sure the sunshield's protective cover had fully rolled up as planned, mission team members explained in another tweet.  

Sunshield deployment is one of the riskiest, most complex activities the $10 billion observatory will perform during its time in space. So keep your fingers crossed that everything goes well tonight and over the weekend, when the team plans to bring the deployed shield's layers up to the proper tension.

James Webb Space Telescope to deploy sunshield booms

It's a big day for the James Webb Space Telescope. 

Today is the day the huge space observatory will deploy the two mid-booms on it port and starboard side that will extend its sunshield out to its full width. The port boom will be extended first, followed by the starboard boom. Motors will drive both events. 

Each mid-boom will deploy with its five sunshield membrane layers attached. If it goes smoothly, Webb will spend the next two days tightening the tension of the sunshield so it's not loose. 

Wondering why it takes so many steps to deploy Webb's sunshield? Our Senior Writer Mike Wall has the full story here today.

Webb deploys flab, removes sunshield covers

NASA's James Webb Space Telescope successfully completed its two critical deployments for today, the space agency announced. 

In back-to-back updates, NASA officials confirmed that the Webb space telescope successfully deployed its aft momentum flap and retracted the protective membrane covers on its gossamer sunshield, a major step in the weeklong work to unfurl the shield. 

Read the full story from Senior Writer Chelsea Gohd here.

The membrane covers protected Webb's sunshield, which will be as large as a tennis court when deployed, during launch. You can see an animation of how the cover retraction went in space above. 

Here's a close-up graphic below of the aft momentum flap, which is designed to steady Webb against the push of solar wind against its huge sunshield. -- Tariq Malik

2 deployment steps for Webb telescope today

It's been five days since NASA's James Webb Space Telescope launched into space on the observatory has two steps planned for today to continue its ultra-complicated deployment. 

Today, Webb is expected to unfold a aft momentum flap, a three-panel structure at the bottom rear of the telescope designed to offset some of the pressure from the solar wind on Webb's massive sunshield. The flap should help Webb conserve fuel during its mission life as it limits the extra push on the telescope from the solar wind.

Later, Webb is expected to retract the sunshield membrane covers that have been protecting its thin sunshield layers since launch. The step will require a series of release devices to be activated that will then retract and roll up the membrane covers (two per sunshield pallet, fore and aft) to uncover the sunshield itself. 

When deployed, the five-layer sunshield will be about the size of a tennis court. But there are 50 distinct steps to get it into place.

You can explore exactly how Webb is unfolding at NASA's Deployment Explorer website here. -- Tariq Malik

JWST extends its Deployable Tower Assembly

The James Webb Space Telescope has successfully completed the deployment of the tower assembly that separates the two main halves of the spacecraft. 

The observatory's Deployable Tower Assembly took a little over 6.5 hours to extend, creating about 4 feet (1.2 meters) of space between the mirror assembly and the spacecraft's bus, which houses its electronics and propulsion systems, NASA officials said in a statement.

"This creates enough distance to allow the sensitive mirrors and instruments to cool down to the necessary temperatures to detect infrared light," NASA said in the statement. "This gap will also provide room for the sunshield membranes to fully unfold."

Read the full story here

Correction: This post was updated to correct the distance of space created by the tower deployment, it is 4 feet, not 2 feet.

Next up: Deployable Tower Assembly

NASA's James Webb Space Telescope has begun extending its Deployable Tower Assembly, according to an agency update. The process, which began shortly after 9 a.m. EST (1400 GMT), will take at least six hours and creates space for the observatory's sunshield to deploy.

Good news: Webb has plenty of fuel for years of science

According to a NASA update, the James Webb Space Telescope may have enough fuel to more than double its minimum lifetime thanks to the precision of its launch and the two trajectory corrections the spacecraft has made to date.

"The Webb team has analyzed its initial trajectory and determined the observatory should have enough propellant to allow support of science operations in orbit for significantly more than a 10-year science lifetime. (The minimum baseline for the mission is five years.)" agency officials wrote in an update posted Dec. 29.

However, NASA emphasized that it is not providing a new mission timeline for the long-awaited observatory. "Consequently, Webb will have much more than the baseline estimate of propellant — though many factors could ultimately affect Webb's duration of operation," officials wrote in the statement. Read more>

Webb's sunshield unfolds some more

The James Webb Space Telescope has successfully completed deploying both pallet structures of its sunshield, notching another milestone in the five-day-long process of unfurling the massive sunshield. 

After deploying the forward pallet earlier today, the aft pallet finished deploying at approximately 7:27 p.m. EST on Tuesday, Dec. 28 (0027 GMT on Dec. 29).

"While the actual motion to lower the forward pallet from its stowed to its deployed position took only 20 minutes, and the lowering of the aft pallet took only 18 minutes, the overall process took several hours for each because of the dozens of additional steps required," NASA officials said in a statement. 

"These include closely monitoring structural temperatures, maneuvering the observatory with respect to the sun to provide optimal temperatures, turning on heaters to warm key components, activating release mechanisms, configuring electronics and software, and ultimately latching the pallets into place."

Sunshield deployment has begun!

The James Webb Space Telescope has begun deploying its massive sunshield, a vital component of the observatory. The spacecraft unfolded its Forward Unitized Pallet Structure, which supports the sunshield, on Tuesday (Dec. 28). Read more>

Webb has crossed the moon's orbit

NASA's James Webb Space Telescope is now farther from Earth than the moon's orbit, according to an agency update posted late Monday (Dec. 27). The spacecraft also completed its second of three trajectory correction burns. Next up, the observatory will begin deploying its massive sunshield. Read more>

Webb telescope maneuver planned

It's day three of NASA's "29 days on the edge" for the James Webb Space Telescope and today's main goal is to perform the second of three mid-course correction burns to refine Webb's path to its new home at Lagrange point 2, or L2, nearly 1 million miles (1.6 million km) from Earth.  

Latest story: James Webb Space Telescope successfully deploys antenna 

Webb performed its first, and biggest, course correction burn on Saturday, Dec. 25, after launching into space. The third burn will occur on day 29 to enter its final orbit around the L2 point. 

Here's how NASA describes today's planned burn on its deployment guide: 

"This burn fine-tunes Webb's trajectory after launch. The duration of the burn will depend on Ariane 5 launcher performance.

"There are three mid-course correction (MCC) maneuvers: MCC-1a, MCC-1b, and MCC-2. This is the second. The first burn, MCC-1a, is the most important and the only other time-critical operation aside from solar array deployment during Webb’s commissioning period.

"The second, MCC-1b, is a shorter burn performed before the sunshield deployment is scheduled to start. The final maneuver, MCC-2, performed 29 days after launch, is designed to insert Webb into the optimum orbit around L2. 

Antenna deployment successful

A day after launch, the James Webb Space Telescope continues to travel away from Earth and set itself up for observations in the months to come.

Beginning on Sunday (Dec. 26) at about 10 a.m. EST (1500 GMT), the spacecraft deployed and tested a key antenna in a process that took about one hour, according to a NASA statement. The antenna will be responsible for twice-daily science data dumps to Earth.

In addition, the spacecraft's temperature sensors and strain gauges began work overnight. The next stage in the telescope's deployment, according to NASA, will be a second course-correction burn scheduled to occur about two days after launch.

Crucial burn complete, NASA says

The James Webb Space Telescope successfully executed a vital burn to correct its trajectory, according to a NASA statement. The burn began at 7:50 p.m. EST (0050 GMT) and lasted for 65 minutes, according to the agency. The maneuver also marked the last step of the mission's deployment that needed to be executed at a specific time; from now on, mission personnel can adapt the deployment timeline as needed. Read more>

Presidential congratulations

President Joe Biden offered his congratulations on the successful launch of the James Webb Space Telescope the evening of its flawless launch. "Congratulations @NASA and all who made today's launch of the James Webb telescope possible," Biden wrote in a tweet. "Webb is a shining example of the power of what we can accomplish when we dream big. We've always known that this project would be a risky endeavor, but with big risk comes big rewards."

Where is NASA's James Webb Space Telescope?

It's been just over 7 hours since NASA's James Webb Space Telescope launched into space and the space telescope is currently more than 67,800 miles (109,110 kilometers) away and climbing as it makes its way toward its destination: Lagrange Point 2.  

Full story: NASA's James Webb Space Telescope launches on epic mission to study early universe

More: 'It's truly Christmas': James Webb Space Telescope's yuletide launch has NASA overjoyed

In photos: The Christmas launch of NASA's James Webb Space Telescope

You can track the Webb space telescope with NASA's Where is Webb website online, which uses real-time telemetry from the spacecraft to present a precise picture of where the space telescope is and at what stage its deployment is in.

It will take about 29 days for Webb to reach L2 nearly 1 million miles (1.6 million km) from Earth, and about six months before it will be ready to begin snapping images of the universe.

The next milestone for Webb will be a mid-course correction burn, a maneuver in deep space to fine-tune the space telescope on its path to L2.

'It's truly Christmas!' NASA on JWST launch

NASA chief Bill Nelson called today's successful launch of the James Webb Space Telescope a "good day for Earth" as NASA and its partners celebrate the successful beginning of a $10 billion mission. 

Thomas Zurbuchen, NASA's associate administrator for science missions, said it's a Christmas to remember.

"What am amazing day," Zurbuchen said. "It's truly Christmas with all the presents and everything and we have a space mission."

Post-launch press conference for JWST

With NASA's James Webb Space Telescope successfully launched, the space agency and its partners will hold a press conference soon to celebrate the successful liftoff.

The press conference is expected to begin by 9 a.m. EST (1400 GMT) and should include the heads of agencies who built James Webb, as well as leading mission scientists. 

You can watch it live in the window above. Meanwhile, here's a look back at today's successful launch.

James Webb Space Telescope launch a success

NASA's James Webb Space Telescope is successfully in space and beginning its monthlong trek to its L2 home about 1 million miles from Earth. 

Full story: NASA's James Webb Space Telescope launches on epic mission to study early universe

"It's a great day for planet Earth," NASA Administrator Bill Nelson said after the launch. "We are going to discover incredible things that we never imagined."

The accolades are pouring in from the space agencies who worked together to put the space telescope together with a series of interviews on NASA TV. 

Spacecraft separation and solar array deploy

NASA's James Webb Space Telescope has successfully separated from its Ariane 5 rocket and deployed its solar array to mark a flawless trip into space after today's launch.

A camera on Webb's Ariane 5 rocket upper stage beamed live views of the event, with solar array deployment occurring a bit early.

'Go, Webb, go!" rang cheers from Arianespace launch control at the Guiana Space Center in French Guiana.

2nd stage shutdown

2nd stage shutdown: The Ariane 5 upper stage engine carrying NASA's James Webb Space Telescope has shut down as planned. 

James Webb Space Telescope on track during ascent

The Ariane 5 rocket carrying NASA's James Webb Space Telescope continues its 2nd stage burn to carry the telescope into space. 

"Very quiet now in the room," NASA spokesperson Rob Navias says of launch control.  Officials with NASA, Arianespace and their partners are watching telemetry carefully, he says. 

So far, all systems are working as expected.

"Today's countdown was as flawless as you can imagine," Navias said. "Everything fell together on this Christmas Day to send a new present to the world's astronomers."

4 minutes of powered flight remain.

Upper Stage separation and ignition

Stage Separation: The Ariane 5 rocket carrying NASA's James Webb Space Telescope has jettisoned its main stage and ignited its upper stage to continue powering the James Webb Space Telescope into orbit.

View of James Webb Space Telescope on Ariane 5

A camera aboard today's Ariane 5 rocket launch has captured a view of the James Webb Space Telescope folded up for launch. 

You can see that image above here. 

Webb continues its ascent on its Ariane 5.

Stage separation for Ariane 5, Fairing separation

Stage separation: The 2 strap on boosters for the Ariane 5 rocket carrying the James Webb Space Telescope have separated as planned.

The rocket has also jettisoned its payload fairing.

"All parameters normal," Arianespace reports.

Liftoff for the James Webb Space Telescope!

LIFTOFF! NASA's James Webb Space Telescope launches on a mission to seek out the earliest light of the universe

James Webb Space Telescope in final countdown

The Ariane 5 rocket carrying NASA's James Webb Space Telescope is now in its final automated launch countdown sequence. 

A final launch weather check reveals good conditions for launch, Arianespace reports.

Less than 3 minutes remain until launch. 

JWST launching 53 years after Apollo 8 Christmas broadcast

NASA spokesperson Rob Navias took a moment in today's James Webb Space Telescope launch broadcast to remind viewers Webb is launching on Christmas Day, 53 years after NASA's Apollo 8 crew beamed a Christmas Eve message to Earth from the moon. In that Christmas broadcast in 1968, the Apollo 8 astronauts read from the Bible's Book of Genesis to mark the holiday.

"Today, more than a half century later. we're just minutes away from another Genesis, the genesis of a new era of discovery," Navias said. "The launch of the James Webb Space Telescope is at hand."

James Webb Space Telescope on internal power

NASA's James Webb Space Telescope is on internal battery power for today's launch, a major milestone head of launch. NASA spokesperson Rob Navias says the observatory will remain on internal battery power until its solar arrays deploy about 30 minutes after liftoff.

It's a cloudy day in Kourou for today's launch, but Navias says all systems are still green.

"Don't let those clouds fool you, we are go for launch," Navias said. 

T-30 minutes to James Webb Space Telescope launch

The James Webb Space Telescope is less than 30 minutes from launch for today's Ariane 5 liftoff. 

NASA spokesperson James Webb Space Telescope Rob Navias at the launch site reports all systems are green for launch so far, with liftoff on track for a 7:20 a.m. EST (1220 GMT) ignition.

Fueling complete for James Webb Space Telescope

Arianespace reports the fueling process for the Ariane 5 rocket is now complete for today's launch of the James Webb Space Telescope. 

NASA launch webcast live for JWST launch

Merry Christmas, space fans, it's launch day for NASA's James Webb Space Telescope. 

After months of delays, the new Great Observatory is ready to launch at 7:20 a.m. EST (1220 GMT) atop an Arianespace Ariane 5 rocket from the Guiana Space Center in Kourou, French Guiana. NASA's live launch webcast has begun for this Christmas launch, a rare event for NASA. 

NASA is kicking off its webcast with its epic trailer for the James Webb Space Telescope mission, which uses the words of famed astronomer Carl Sagan.

'Go' for fueling

The Ariane 5 rocket that will launch the James Webb Space Telescope will begin fueling up for liftoff soon, according to the brief update just aired on NASA TV. 

"Within the last hour mission controllers ... received a comprehensive weather briefing and we were told conditions were 'go' for the start of the loading of 175 tons of propellant into the core or first stage of the Ariane five rocket," a NASA spokesperson said in the update on NASA TV. 

"150 tons of liquid oxygen and 25 tons of liquid hydrogen will soon be flowing into the first stage tanks of the Ariane 5. This process will take about two hours to complete. About an hour from now some 15 tons of propellant will be loaded into the second stage, or upper stage, of the Ariane 5 — another two-hour process, which should be complete around one hour and 22 minutes before launch."

NASA to provide Webb telescope update

NASA officials are about to give a status update on the launch of the James Webb Space Telescope. You can watch it live in the window above, courtesy of NASA TV, or directly via YouTube.

Just one day left

The James Webb Space Telescope is still on track for a Christmas Day launch, after spending the night of Dec. 23 on the launch pad in Kourou, French Guiana. Arianespace, which built the Ariane 5 rocket carrying the observatory, has confirmed that the weather forecast looks promising for the Saturday launch attempt. "Latest weather forecast just arrived and we are still good to go for tomorrow!" the European launch provider wrote in a statement posted to Twitter.

Webb is on the launch pad!

The Ariane 5 rocket carrying the James Webb Space Telescope made the two-hour trek out to the launch pad at Kourou, French Guiana, on Thursday (Dec. 23). See more photos

Roll-out is coming!

The James Webb Space Telescope and its Ariane 5 rocket will begin the slow march to the launch pad at Kourou, French Guiana, in advance of the mission's Saturday morning launch at about 10 a.m. EST (1500 GMT) on Dec. 23.

Christmas Day launch still on track for JWST

Arianespace, the European company responsible for launching the James Webb Space Telescope, confirmed in a tweet on Wednesday (Dec. 22) afternoon that they were still targeting Christmas Day (Saturday, Dec. 25) for the launch of the massive observatory.

The rocket, an Ariane 5, will roll out to the launch pad at Kourou, French Guiana, on Thursday morning (Dec. 23), the company noted.

High winds delay launch to Christmas

Arianespace has announced that due to upper-level winds, it will not attempt to launch the James Webb Space Telescope on Friday (Dec. 24). The next launch opportunity will be Saturday (Dec. 25) beginning at 7:20 a.m. EST (1220 GMT).

NASA Webb Space Telescope prelaunch briefing

With the clocking steadily ticking toward a Christmas Eve launch for the James Webb Space Telescope, NASA and its partners will hold a prelaunch teleconference for the mission today, Dec. 21, at 2 p.m. EST (1900 GMT) and you can watch it live. 

The webcast will be broadcast on NASA Live and simulcast in the audio player at the top of this page. 

Speaking during today's prelaunch press conference will be:

• NASA Administrator Bill Nelson
• NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy
• Thomas Zurbuchen, associate administrator for NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, NASA Headquarters in Washington
• Greg Robinson, Webb program director, NASA Headquarters
• Jérôme Rives, vice president, Ariane 5 Business Unit, Arianespace, Paris, France
• Amber Straughn, Webb deputy project scientist for communications, NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland

Three days until launch!

With three days to go before the James Webb Space Telescope launches, NASA has released a mission trailer paired with archival audio of the iconic astronomer Carl Sagan. "If we crave some cosmic purpose, then let us find ourselves a worthy goal," Sagan said. Watch the full trailer above.

And learn about the incredible engineering behind the most complex space observatory ever built with a deep dive into the telescope that "is not allowed to fail" in this new feature story.

What will the James Webb Space Telescope tell us about dark matter?

The world's most powerful space telescope is about to launch, and scientists think it could reveal incredible new information about dark matter. 

The James Webb Space Telescope is set to launch on Dec. 24. from Europe's Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana. By observing primarily in infrared, the massive telescope will be able to peer back farther than ever into the cosmos, revealing new information about our early universe. However, additionally, scientists think that the scope could utilize the phenomenon known as gravitational lensing, from Einstein's general theory of relativity, to indirectly "observe" evidence of dark matter. 

It's Launch Week for James Webb Space Telescope

It's launch week for NASA's James Webb Space Telescope and as the days count down to its Christmas Eve launch on Dec. 24, we're taking a look at the science promised by the huge new space observatory.

Today's feature: James Webb Space Telescope vs. Hubble: How will their images compare?

Space.com senior writer Chelsea Gohd takes a look at the fundamental differences between the iconic Hubble Space Telescope, which can capture images in visible light, and the James Webb Space Telescope, which is solely an infrared observatory, but one so sensitive it's designed to peer back closer to the birth of the universe than ever before.

Dec. 24 launch date confirmed for Webb space telescope

NASA and its partners officially confirmed Dec. 24 as the launch target for the new James Webb Space Telescope. Liftoff is set for 7:20 a.m. EST (1220 GMT) from the Guiana Space Center in Kourou, French Guiana.

Read our full story on the confirmed launch date here.

NASA confirmed the launch target today in a blog post, stating that the Webb space telescope is packed inside its nosecone and attached to its Arianespace Ariane 5 rocket. 

"The James Webb Space Telescope is confirmed for the target launch date of Dec. 24, at 7:20 a.m. EST," NASA wrote. "Late yesterday, teams at the launch site successfully completed encapsulation of the observatory inside the Ariane 5 rocket that will launch it to space. Webb’s launch final readiness review will be held on Tuesday Dec. 21 and, if successful, roll-out is planned for Wednesday, Dec. 22."

Launch date confirmation coming Saturday

The James Webb Space Telescope is still tentatively scheduled to launch on Dec. 24, but the launch date won't be officially confirmed until tomorrow (Saturday, Dec. 18), according to Arianespace CEO Stéphane Israël. 

"Final encapsulation operations ongoing," Israël tweeted late Friday. "Target launch date is December 24 at 12:20 am UTC. Confirmation Saturday."

NASA, ESA discussing Webb space telescope launch date

NASA and the European Space Agency are discussing their options today (Dec. 17) on when to launch the multibillion-dollar James Webb Space Telescope. 

Earlier this week, the two agencies and their partners delayed the Webb telescope's Dec. 22 launch after a data cable issue prevented communications between the observatory and equipment with its Ariane 5 rocket. The launch is currently targeted for no earlier than Dec. 24, but that launch date could change. 

NASA and ESA have both said they will announce a firmer launch date by then end of the day today, Dec. 17. The faulty data cable on Webb was fixed yesterday afternoon and engineers were expected to perform final tests before making a decision on whether to close up the space telescope inside its clamshell-like payload fairing.

The Webb space telescope is NASA's next "Great Observatory" and set to launch on an Arianespace Ariane 5 rocket from Guiana Space Center in Kourou, French Guiana. 

The mission has been delayed several times in recent months, from an October launch target to late December due to launch preparation issues.

Data cable fixed on James Webb Space Telescope

Dr. Thomas Zurbuchen, NASA's associate administrator for science missions, announced on Twitter today that the launch team for the agency's James Webb Space Telescope has fixed the data cable connection issue that has delayed the space observatory's launch. A new launch date will be announced on Friday, Dec. 18. 

"Just in from the Webb launch site: The team has fixed the connection issue and @NASAWebb is in the midst of its final scheduled aliveness test before launch," Zurbuchen wrote on Twitter. "We'll provide an additional update on the status of encapsulation and the launch date tomorrow."

The Webb Space Telescope is currently targeted to launch no earlier than Dec. 24, two days later than planned due to the data cable issue.

Faulty cable caused JWST launch delay

A faulty communications cable is responsible for the James Webb Space Telescope's latest delay, according to the European Space Agency. 

In a press conference today (Dec. 16), ESA officials said a faulty data designed to deliver data from the Webb space telescope  and its rocket and launch pad equipment was not working properly.

"It's an interface issue in the electrical network connecting the observatory and the ground support equipment," Daniel Neuenschwander, ESA director of space transportation, said in the briefing. "It's a cable located in the launch table, which is experiencing some intermittent losses of data."

Read our full story here.

JWST packed for flight

On Saturday, Dec. 11, Arianespace packed NASA's James Webb Space Telescope for launch, installing the space telescope atop its Ariane 5 rocket for a planned launch from the Guiana Space Center in Kourou, French Guiana. 

The actual launch date for the Webb space telescope is still uncertain, as NASA and Arianespace have delayed its launch (initially set for Dec. 22) to no earlier than Dec. 24. An update on launch plans for Webb is expected by Friday, Dec. 17, according to NASA. 

NASA and Arianespace originally aimed to launch the Webb space telescope on Oct. 31 and have delayed it repeatedly due to integration and other issues. Watch this space for updates on a new firm launch date for the James Webb Space Telescope.

JWST launch delayed to Dec. 24

The James Webb Space Telescope is now scheduled to launch no earlier than Christmas Eve (Dec. 24), NASA announced today.

"The James Webb Space Telescope team is working a communication issue between the observatory and the launch vehicle system," NASA officials said in a statement. "This will delay the launch date to no earlier than Friday, Dec. 24. We will provide more information about the new launch date no later than Friday, Dec. 17."

Read the full story

James Webb Space Telescope ready to launch

After years of development and billions of dollars, NASA's James Webb Space Telescope is nearly ready to launch. 

Follow JWST's last days on Earth and its future as a new Great Observatory for NASA, the European Space Agency, Canadian Space Agency and the world in our live coverage here.