Webb Telescope Launch Slips Again: New Challenges Emerge

The highly anticipated launch of NASA's James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has hit another snag, with the spacecraft requiring an airlock for cycling while repair crew goes in and out. This new development adds to the long list of challenges that have plagued the project, which is now expected to launch no earlier than mid-November.

One of the primary concerns is the ability of the spacecraft to station-keep with JWST. Since the Canadarm grapple fixture is not available on JWST, a specialized airlock and repair tools are needed to ensure safe and efficient servicing. This requires significant funding for training astronauts and developing the necessary systems.

The deployment process itself has also been a major challenge. With nearly 200 steps involved in deploying the spacecraft, any issues can have serious consequences. The fact that SLS is expected to fly more than once does little to alleviate concerns about JWST's maintainability and serviceability.

However, despite these challenges, experts believe that new spaceflight capabilities coming online may ultimately make it easier to service JWST in the future. Starship and Orion are just a few examples of next-generation spacecraft that could potentially reach the Lagrange point and perform maintenance tasks.

The recent delays have also raised questions about the impact of COVID-19 on the launch schedule. Vaccines are not yet widely available in French Guyana, where the spaceport is located, and the pandemic has already affected operations at the facility. Tests scheduled for July and August will help ensure that any issues have been resolved before the launch, but there is always a possibility of further delays.

Arianespace, the launch provider, has redesigned the payload fairing to address the issue that grounded the Ariane 5 rocket. The company remains confident in its ability to meet the revised launch window.

Once JWST arrives at the spaceport, it will take 55 days to prepare it for launch. This is expected to occur towards the end of August. Following extensive testing and packing into a shipping container, NASA and Northrop Grumman are edging closer to launching the telescope.

Despite these setbacks, some experts believe that pushing back the launch by weeks rather than months or years may be an indication that the light at the end of the tunnel is getting brighter for JWST. With new technologies and capabilities emerging, it's possible that JWST will ultimately prove to be a worthwhile investment in the long run.

Webb telescope launch slips again