History and application

The James Webb Space Telescope is a state-of-the-art imaging system designed for deep space observations. Its primary objective is to advance our comprehension of the origins of Earth and life in the universe. This telescope holds great significance for future scientific advancements. The RealWorld - InWorld Engineering Design Challenge offers students an opportunity to engage in the engineering design process and tackle problems associated with the James Webb Space Telescope.

James Webb

The James Webb Space Telescope, also referred to as JWST, received its name in honor of the former NASA administrator James Webb. Webb served as the head of the space agency from February 1961 to October 1968,^[1] during which he made substantial contributions to space science, leading to the development of the JWST, the next-generation of space telescopes, bearing his name. Webb's notable association is primarily linked to the Apollo Space Program. Despite his significant achievements, it is noteworthy that Webb initially hesitated to accept the role of NASA administrator. Although he lacked a background as an engineer or scientist, Webb had held distinguished positions in government and the aerospace industry. President Kennedy recognized Webb's capabilities and convinced him that the position of NASA administrator was primarily focused on policy matters.

While President Kennedy's commitment was centered on landing a man on the moon before the end of the century, Webb believed the challenge had broader significance, encompassing aspects such as education and industry rather than being solely driven by political motives. Webb is credited with fostering significant scientific advancements within the space agency throughout the 1960s. Various programs enabled Americans to gather new knowledge about outer space, including missions to Mars and Venus, while also preparing for the first Moon landing through robotic exploration of the lunar surface.^[1] By the time Webb retired in 1968, shortly before the 1969 Moon landing, NASA had successfully launched over 75 missions.

Webb emphasized the involvement of scientists in the agency's decision-making processes. He also played an active role in establishing a strong connection between NASA and university education in the United States. Webb initiated the NASA University Program, which facilitated the establishment of space grants, provided fellowships to graduate students, and supported the development of scientific research laboratories at universities. This collaboration between NASA and education continues to this day and is exemplified by the RealWorld - InWorld Engineering Design Challenge. The focus of this challenge is on the telescope that bears the name of James Webb, the visionary leader who propelled America into a successful era of space exploration, contributing significantly to our understanding and scientific breakthroughs.

Telescope

The James Webb Space Telescope was successfully launched on December 25, 2021.^[2][3] Positioned approximately 1 million miles away from the Earth's surface, the JWST employs infrared technology to observe space, enabling scientists to gather insights into the origins of the universe. Its observations will encompass the history of the universe, starting from the immediate aftermath of the Big Bang and continuing through the formation of solar systems, including our own. The telescope's focus includes the study of environments conducive to supporting life and the processes involved in planetary formation.

The JWST is the result of collaborative efforts between NASA, the European Space Agency, and the Canadian Space Agency. The project is presently managed by the NASA Goddard Space Center, with Northrop Grumman serving as the contracting company responsible for its development. Following its launch, the telescope will be operated by the Space Telescope Science Institute. Originally known as the "Next Generation Space Telescope," the project was renamed in 2002 to honor James Webb.

The JWST's goals are categorized into four scientific themes:

1. The End of the Dark Ages: First Light and Reionization
2. Assembly of galaxies
3. The Birth of Stars and Protoplanetary Systems
4. Planetary Systems and the Origins of Life

While sharing some similarities with its predecessor, the Hubble Space Telescope, the JWST offers distinct features that provide scientists with new perspectives and an understanding of the universe. The JWST observes the universe in the infrared spectrum, whereas the Hubble primarily observes in optical and ultraviolet wavelengths. This complementary combination allows scientists to construct a more comprehensive picture of the universe. Furthermore, the JWST features a larger mirror than the Hubble, enabling it to gather more light and peer further back in time. As light travels at a finite speed, greater distances correspond to longer time spans since the light originated. Additionally, the JWST's orbit is significantly farther from Earth than that of the Hubble. While the Hubble is in close proximity to Earth, the JWST will be positioned much farther away, surpassing even the Moon's distance.

Phase 1: RealWorld

Phase 2: InWorld