The launch of the James Webb Telescope has been postponed due to bad weather predictions.
REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, GUYANA — Launch of tThe James Webb Space Telescope, also known as JWST or Webb, has been postponed again. This telescope has been in the works for decades. During a press conference held on Tuesday (12/21), project officials confirmed that the observatory was ready for launch on Friday (12/24).
However, within hours, NASA and its partners on the project announced that the long-delayed launch would be delayed by one more day, until Saturday (25/12). The decision was due to the wind at the Space Center launch site Guyana in Korou, French Guiana.
According to Jerome Rives, vice president at European launch provider Arianespace, which is responsible for launching the observatory, pThe company will conduct another weather check on Wednesday (12/22), hoping to confirm the new launch date.
Scientists have been anticipating Webb’s revolutionary view of the cosmos for years. When Webb launches, the observatory will embark on a tense month-long journey spanning 1.6 million kilometers.
“It really exceeds the level of complexity,” said Thomas Zurbuchen, associate administrator for the Science Mission Directorate NASA said during a press conference, quoted from Space, Wednesday (22/12).
Work on Webb, which also includes the European and Canadian space agencies, began in 1996 with a target launch of 2007. 14 years later, the observatory is finally ready for launch in late 2021.
“This is an extraordinary mission. This is a shining example of what we can achieve when we dream big. We always knew this project was going to be a risky venture, but of course, when you want a big reward, you usually have to take a big risk,” said Nelson.
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