The Webb telescope is the most powerful observation tool. The telescope was developed almost 30 years ago in 1996. Webb has completed its design and arrived last October at its launch site, the European Space Port in Kourou, French Guiana. Unfortunately, a recent incident during launch preparations forced the mission team to postpone takeoff.
According to a new statement from the American Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the incident began with technicians preparing to attach Webb to a launch vehicle adapter. A sudden release of the tape clamp caused a vibration throughout the observatory.
The launch preparations were carried out under the overall responsibility of the Arianespace company. The Arianespace Ariane 5 rocket will lift Webb into space. A NASA-led review board soon arrived to investigate and perform additional testing to determine the incident did not damage any components.
“NASA and mission partners will provide updates when testing is complete this weekend,” NASA said.
Quoted Space, Tuesday (23/11), this is not the first time Webb delayed its launch. Webb was first scheduled for launch in 2007. With mission costs rising as delays continue, the telescope now has a budget of 9.7 billion US dollars. US$861 million of the budget is dedicated to supporting the first five years of operations after launch.
Earlier this year, Webb had a new target launch date of March. Now, the team will target to launch on December 22.
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