Another Big Launch Delay For Webb Space Telescope

NASA's James Webb Space Telescope to be Launched Spring 2019

"The change in launch timing is not indicative of hardware or technical performance concerns," said Thomas Zurbuchen, associate administrator for NASA's Science Mission Directorate at Headquarters in Washington. "Rather, the integration of the various spacecraft elements is taking longer than expected." ... The additional environmental testing time of the fully assembled observatory--the telescope and the spacecraft--will ensure that Webb will be fully tested before launching into space. All the rigorous tests of the telescope and the spacecraft to date show the mission is meeting its required performance levels. Existing program budget accommodates the change in launch date, and the change will not affect planned science observations."

- Webb, The Giant Money Sponge, earlier post (2010)
- GAO Assessment of NASA Includes a Look at Webb's Overruns, earlier post (2012)
- TRW Selected as Prime Contractor To Build NASA's James Webb Space Telescope, earlier post (2002)

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