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The telescope was to be launched in 2020.
The Independent Review Board (IRB) established by NASA to evaluate the progress of the Webb Telescope unanimously recommended that the development of this telescope be continued.
The report released by the review panel addresses a series of factors influencing the timing and performance of Webb, including the technical challenges and remaining tasks of the lead contractor Northrop Grumman prior to its launch.
"Webb should continue because of its tremendous scientific potential and crucial role in maintaining US leadership in astronomy and astrophysics," said Tom Young, chair of the review committee.
"Ensuring that every element of Webb works properly before it is in space is essential to its success." Young said.
The Board also reaffirmed the significant complexity of Webb, its incredible scientific potential and its importance for astrophysics. The report contains several recommendations for moving forward, some of which have already been initiated by NASA.
NASA administrator Jim Bridenstine on Wednesday sent a message to Nasa employees about the report.
"Webb is vital to the next generation of research beyond NASA's Hubble Space Telescope: it's going to do incredible things – things we've never done before – by looking at things. other galaxies and seeing the light of time, "said Bridenstine.
"Despite major challenges, the Board of Directors and NASA are unanimous in recognizing that Webb will succeed in fulfilling its mission with the implementation of the Board's recommendations, many of which are already underway", a- he declared.
"The more we learn about our universe, the more we realize that Webb is essential to answering questions we did not even know how to ask when the spacecraft was designed," said Thomas Zurbuchen, NASA's Associate Administrator. . Direction of the mission.
The agency had previously estimated an earlier release date, but was awaiting the IRB's findings before making a final decision and reviewed the data from the Webb standing review panel.
The new total life cycle cost of the telescope, in support of the revised launch date, is estimated at $ 9.66 billion; its new estimated development cost is $ 8.8 billion.
From the detection of light from the first stars and galaxies in the far universe, to the exploration of exoplanet atmospheres for possible signs of habitability, Webb's world-clbad science will not only highlight the many mysteries of the universe. complement and enrich the discoveries of other astrophysical projects.
The first telescope of its kind and unprecedented engineering feat, Webb is at the forefront of innovation and technological development.
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