We have completed maintenance on DiscoverMagazine.com and action may be required on your account. Learn More

James Webb Space Telescope Prepares for Launch

By Ernie Mastroianni
Jun 9, 2017 5:00 PMNov 18, 2019 11:04 PM
DSC-R0817 01 webb telescope
James Webb Space Telescope (Credit: NASA/Desiree Stover)

Newsletter

Sign up for our email newsletter for the latest science news
 

Technicians at Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md., position the massive James Webb Space Telescope for tests in its assembly room earlier this year, in preparation for a 2018 launch. While Webb will be the most powerful space telescope ever built, astronomers are already designing its successor. The High Definition Space Telescope will have a mirror nearly twice the diameter of Webb’s 21.3-foot gold mirror and should be powerful enough to detect evidence of life on alien planets. 

1 free article left
Want More? Get unlimited access for as low as $1.99/month

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

1 free articleSubscribe
Discover Magazine Logo
Want more?

Keep reading for as low as $1.99!

Subscribe

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

More From Discover
Recommendations From Our Store
Shop Now
Stay Curious
Join
Our List

Sign up for our weekly science updates.

 
Subscribe
To The Magazine

Save up to 40% off the cover price when you subscribe to Discover magazine.

Copyright © 2024 Kalmbach Media Co.