The James Webb Space Telescope stands as the most advanced infrared space observatory for the upcoming decade. Positioned well beyond the orbit of Earth’s moon, Webb is equipped with highly sensitive tools to pick up infrared light from celestial bodies within our Solar System, distant exoplanets, various stars, cosmic nebulae, and remote galaxies. These critical observations will deepen our comprehension of the universe’s nascent stages, track the evolution of galaxies and stars over epochs, and delineate features of extraterrestrial planets.
From its inception, Webb has been a product of global cooperation. The United States has teamed up with 13 other nations in constructing this monumental telescope: Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany Ireland Italy Netherlands Spain Sweden Switzerland and United Kingdom. Europe’s collective efforts are further bolstered through contributions from additional countries to the European Space Agency (ESA). As the primary partner in this venture NASA spearheads the project alongside ESA and Canadian Space Agency (CSA).
In its role as principal agency NASA holds overarching accountability for Webb’s mission. Contributions from ESA to JWST encompass several key components: including NIRSpec Mid-Infrared Instrument MIRI Optics Assembly Ariane 5 rocket which will propel telescope into space CSA’s investment in project are represented by FGS NIRISS each enhancing scope precision capabilities observatory.
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