Golden Eye

JWST is the most complex and expensive science mission ever launched into space.

Built by NASA and space agencies from Europe and Canada, JWST deserves the presidential introduction it received. Over 20 years of construction and at a cost of $10 billion, JWST faced numerous challenges that could have ended its mission. After it was finally launched, engineers nervously watched for a month as its giant sunshield and golden mirror unfolded over 1.5 million kilometers. There were 344 critical steps during this initial stage alone. 

Astronomers described the first images and data from JWST as “beautiful” and “mind-blowing.”

With its infrared-sensitive instruments and the largest mirror ever launched into space, JWST looks further out into the universe than any other telescope, including Hubble. It can record minute details of closer celestial bodies and examine alien atmospheres. Scientists are beginning to file reports on the telescope’s findings, which will “revolutionize our picture of the cosmos.”

Science magazine named JWST its “2022 Breakthrough of...