Into the future: James Webb Space Telescope launch begins

• Image Credit: Internet

• Dec 25, 2021 | moderator

French Guiana: Just four hours left before the maiden launch of the James Webb Space Telescope that has already begun fueling for liftoff.

The Ariane 5 rocket that began fueling for launch with 175 tons of propellant, 150 tons of liquid oxygen and 25 tons of liquid hydrogen, is now flowing into the rocket’s core stage.

The fueling is expected to be completed by one hour and 22 minutes before the launch, after another 15 tons of propellant shall be added into the rocket’s upper stage.

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A NASA spokesperson giving updates on the historic launch stated, “The James Webb Space Telescope is scheduled to lift off from the Guiana Space Center in Kourou, French Guiana, at 7:20 a.m. EST (1220 GMT). You can watch live launch coverage here on Space.com, courtesy of NASA TV, beginning at 6 a.m. EST (1100 GMT).

Before its launch, an official from NASA will be providing a small brief on the next four hours, to ensure that conditions remain favourable for launch.

Scientists are closely monitoring for the momentous launch of James Webb Space Telescope, which is the largest, most powerful telescope ever sent away from our planet.

The launch was earlier scheduled for December 22 but was then postponed to December 24, due to difficulties in electronic communications between the launch vehicle and its payload.

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It further delayed until Christmas Day due to poor weather conditions at the launch site.

All space enthusiasts wishing to watch the lift-off online can do so on NASA TV. One needs to sign up at NASA to become a Webb Launch virtual guest and access curated resources. The space agency will then mail a stamp to all its virtual guests for their virtual guest passports.

The James Webb Space Telescope launching as per the India Standard Time has been scheduled as "On December 25, 07:20 am EST, (5.50 pm IST).