Space

The James Webb Space Telescope launches from French Guiana

On December 25, 2021, the James Webb Space Telescope launched from French Guiana.

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The Event

On December 25, 2021, the James Webb Space Telescope launched from French Guiana.

The Scientific Context

An Ariane 5 sent the folded observatory on its way; deploying the mirror and sunshield came after launch.

From flight to results

A launch established that the vehicle was on its way. Any later observations, deployments or crew operations came at distinct points in the flight.

Reading the Historical Record

The sources below provide the reference points for this account. Use the date and named people or places to distinguish this event from related episodes.

About the Historical Recreation

The proposed visual shows a period-accurate vehicle or spacecraft on its launch stand, followed by a wide illustrative view of the flight environment. It is an AI illustration, not archival footage or an eyewitness record.

Sources

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