After its arrival in the last assembly structure, Webb was lifted gradually about 40 m high and then carefully navigated on top of Ariane 5, after which professionals bolted Webbs launch lorry adapter down to the rocket.
Artists impression of the James Webb Space Telescope (Webb), folded in the Ariane 5 rocket during launch from Europes Spaceport in French Guiana. Credit: ESA– D. Ducros
On Saturday, December 11, the James Webb Space Telescope was placed on top of the Ariane 5 rocket that will introduce it to space from Europes Spaceport in French Guiana.
Credit: ESA-Manuel Pedoussaut
Credit: ESA-Manuel Pedoussaut
Credit: ESA-Manuel Pedoussaut
This whole process was performed under stringent security and cleanliness guidelines, as it was among the most fragile operations throughout the entire launch campaign for Webb.
A shower curtain about 12 m high and 8 m in diameter was set up in between two platforms, to produce a closed-off space around Webb to prevent any contamination.
Credit: ESA-Manuel Pedoussaut
Credit: ESA-Manuel Pedoussaut
Webb will be the largest, most powerful telescope ever released into area. As part of a global collaboration contract, ESA is supplying the telescopes launch service using the Ariane 5 launch automobile. Working with partners, ESA was responsible for the development and credentials of Ariane 5 adjustments for the Webb mission and for the procurement of the launch service by Arianespace.
The next action is to encapsulate Webb inside Ariane 5s specifically adjusted fairing.
Webb will be the biggest, most effective telescope ever launched into space. As part of a worldwide cooperation arrangement, ESA is offering the telescopes launch service utilizing the Ariane 5 launch lorry. Dealing with partners, ESA was accountable for the advancement and credentials of Ariane 5 adjustments for the Webb mission and for the procurement of the launch service by Arianespace.
Webb is an international partnership between NASA, ESA and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA).