Another postponement for the launch of the James Webb Space Telescope. For weather problems the mission slips from December 24th to 25th, in the launch window 1:20-1:52pm Italian time. Everything is ready: tomorrow is the day of the final review of the launch, at Christmas is expected the transfer of the rocket at the launch pad. If all goes well there will be the putting into orbit of this instrument that in the intentions of scientists will provide important answers about the origin of the universe. The technological jewel has been developed by three space agencies: the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (Nasa), the European Space Agency (Esa) and the Canadian Space Agency (Csa). 

The liftoff will take place thanks to an Ariane 5 launch rocket of European construction. James Webb will have to travel about 1.5 million km from Earth to the observation point Lagrange L2. The telescope, worth 10 billion dollars, is equipped with a lot of Italian technology: from Leonardo's space compasses to the transponder developed between Rome and L'Aquila by Thales Alenia Space for the NirSpec instrument of Northrop Grumman Space. For all space fans the appointment is for December 25, barring further complications.

On the same subject see also the article published by AVIONEWS.