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The James Webb Space Telescope (sometimes called JWST) is a large, infrared-optimized space telescope. The project is working to a 2018 launch date. Webb will find the first galaxies that formed in the early Universe, connecting the Big Bang to our own Milky Way Galaxy. Webb will peer through dusty clouds to see stars forming planetary systems, connecting the Milky Way to our own Solar System. Webb's instruments will be designed to work primarily in the infrared range of the electromagnetic spectrum, with some capability in the visible range.

Webb will have a large mirror, 6.5 meters (21.3 feet) in diameter and a sunshield the size of a tennis court. Both the mirror and sunshade won't fit onto a rocket fully open, so both will fold up and open once Webb is in outer space. Webb will reside in an orbit about 1.5 million km (1 million miles) from the Earth.

The James Webb Space Telescope was named after the NASA Administrator who crafted the Apollo program, and who was a staunch supporter of space science.

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Watch the Webb Telescope being built on our "Webb-cam"!
RECENT NEWS

May 15, 2013: NASA Completes First Part of Webb Telescope's 'Eye Surgery' Operation View the feature.

May 8, 2013: NASA Testing the Webb Telescope's MIRI Thermal Shield View the feature.

May 2, 2013: New photos and milestone! Webb Telescope's Mid-Infrared Instrument is integrated into the ISIM structure. View the images.

May 2, 2013: NASA High School STEM Challenge Announces Winning Team, Invites Students to Present Ideas at NASA Goddard View the feature.

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