James Webb Space Telescope

Satellite Overview

An infrared observatory operating around Sun-Earth L2 for deep-space astronomy.

Optimized for infrared astronomy

Uses a five-layer sunshield for passive cooling

Studies early galaxies, exoplanets, and star formation

Operates far beyond low Earth orbit

Orbital & System Specs

NASA / ESA / CSA

Operator

Infrared Space Observatory

Mission Type

Halo Orbit around Sun-Earth L2

Orbit Type

About 1.5 million km from Earth

Altitude

About 0.4 km/s around L2 environment

Velocity

About 6 months around L2 halo path

Orbital Period

Operational halo trajectory

Inclination

21.2 m by 14.2 m deployed

Dimensions

About 6,500 kg

Mass

About 2,000 W

Power

December 25, 2021

Launch Date

Active

Status

Onboard Systems

Segmented Primary Mirror

Large gold-coated mirror gathers faint infrared light.

Sunshield

Blocks heat from the Sun, Earth, and Moon.

Science Instruments

Imaging and spectroscopy across infrared wavelengths.

Spacecraft Bus

Handles communications, propulsion, and attitude control.

Mission History

No recorded missions in the database for this object.

Explore Others

International Space Station

Hubble Space Telescope

James Webb Space Telescope