Webb Key Facts International

Webb Key Facts in over 40 Languages and more on the way.

Quick Facts

Will be the premier space observatory for astronomers worldwide, extending the tantalizing discoveries of the Hubble Space Telescope.

An international collaboration among NASA, the European Space Agency, and the Canadian Space Agency.

The largest telescope ever placed in space; 100 times more powerful than Hubble.

So big it has to fold origami-style to fit in the rocket and will unfold like a “Transformer” in space.

Has a 5-layer sunshield that protects the telescope from the infrared radiation of the Sun, Earth, and Moon; like having sun protection of SPF 1 million.

With unprecedented infrared sensitivity, it will peer back in time over 13.5 billion years to see the first galaxies born after the Big Bang.

Will orbit the Sun 1.5 million kilometers from the Earth. (Hubble orbits 560 kilometers above the Earth.)

View video for the Webb Key Facts in American Sign Language

Webb Key Facts in English

Images containing key facts about the James Webb Space Telescope. The image is titled "JAMES WEBB SPACE TELESCOPE" with a subtitle of "English". The key facts listed are: Will be the premier space observatory for astronomers worldwide, extending the tantalizing discoveries of the Hubble Space Telescope. An international collaboration among NASA, the European Space Agency, and the Canadian Space Agency. The largest telescope ever placed in space; 100 times more powerful than Hubble. So big it has to fold origami-style to fit in the rocket and will unfold like a “Transformer” in space. Has a 5-layer sunshield that protects the telescope from the infrared radiation of the Sun, Earth, and Moon; like having sun protection of SPF 1 million. With unprecedented infrared sensitivity, it will peer back in time over 13.5 billion years to see the first galaxies born after the Big Bang. Will orbit the Sun 1.5 million kilometers from the Earth. (Hubble orbits 560 kilometers above the Earth.)

American Sign Language

Appearing in the video is NASA Goddard Mission Director Apurva Varia. As a part of Space Science Mission Operation (SSMO), he is responsible for two spacecraft, and Wind and Interstellar Boundary Explorer (IBEX). He is also a Deputy Mission Director for Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO). His responsibility is to ensure that the spacecraft, the instruments and all ground systems are healthy and that the science is processed and delivered to the scientists on the mission.

Translation courtesy of Apurva Varia and Heather Mewshaw