Science’s ‘most important tool’ finally ready to launch

The James Webb Telescope, set to launch on December 18th, is the largest and most complex telescope ever built. After years of delays, it will be launched from French Guyana on an Ariane rocket. The telescope will orbit the Sun at 1.5 million kilometers from Earth. Initially planned for a 2007 launch with a $500 million budget, its cost has ballooned to $10 billion. Key features include a 6.5-meter mirror and a sunshield the size of a tennis court, which posed significant engineering challenges.

What is the significance of the James Webb Telescope's launch location?

• It is the first telescope to be launched from the United States.

• It is the first telescope to be launched from French Guyana.

• It is the first telescope to be launched from the Moon.

• It is the first telescope to be launched from Mars.

How long will it take for the James Webb Telescope to reach its final orbit?

• One week

• Two weeks

• One month

• Two months

What was the original estimated cost of the James Webb Telescope?

• 500 million dollars

• 1 billion dollars

• 5 billion dollars

• 10 billion dollars

What is the size of the James Webb Telescope's mirror?

• 7.5 meters

• 6.5 meters

• 8.5 meters

• 5.5 meters

What engineering challenge did the sunshield of the James Webb Telescope present?

• It had to fit into a small cargo bay and unfurl in space.

• It had to be painted a special color.

• It needed to be made of a new material.

• It needed to be launched separately.