Webb is a joint project between NASA, ESA and the Canadian Space Agency and will reveal the Universe in a whole new light. Optimized for infrared wavelengths, its detectors will be able to look back to shortly after the dawn of time, revealing the formation of the first galaxies, as well as studying stars and planets in our Milky Way.
The James Webb Space Telescope is a space telescope to see farther than ever into the Universe. It is designed to answer outstanding questions about the Universe and to make groundbreaking discoveries in all fields of astronomy. Webb will observe the first galaxies in the Universe, reveal the birth of stars and planets and search for exoplanets with the potential for life.
Closer to home, Webb will also look at our Solar System in a new light. Webb is an international partnership between NASA, ESA and CSA. The mission is launched on an Ariane 5 from the European spaceport in French Guiana. In addition to launch services, ESA contributes two of the four scientific instruments, as well as personnel to support mission operations.