It was supposed to take place on December 22, the next date was December 24
WASHINGTON, December 15. /TASS/. NASA postponed the launch of the James Webb orbital telescope scheduled for December 22 for at least two days due to technical reasons. As noted in the press release, "specialists are engaged in eliminating the problem on the transmission and reception line of information between the telescope and the launch vehicle."
"Because of this, the launch will now take place no earlier than December 24. We will specify a new launch date no later than December 17," NASA stressed.
James Webb is to replace the Hubble Orbital Observatory, which has been in orbit for more than 30 years. The diameter of the telescope mirror is 6.5 m, in addition, it will be equipped with more modern scientific instruments, thanks to which the telescope will be able to obtain detailed photos of exoplanets for the first time.
Initially, NASA management planned to launch a new device in 2014. However, cost overruns and some technical difficulties several times forced the mission management to postpone the timing of its launch into space.
