Webb: New Target Launch Date
Stay informed with our
free newsletters

Webb: New Target Launch Date

Today, 21 December 2021, the Launch Readiness Review for flight VA256 to launch the James Webb Space Telescope has been successfully completed and concluded with the authorisation to perform the launch vehicle rollout and the start of the launch chronology.

However, due to adverse weather conditions at Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana, flight VA256 – initially scheduled for 24 December – is being postponed.

The new targeted launch date is 25 December, as early as possible within the launch window 12:20–12:52 GMT / 13:20–13:52 CET.

Optical (laser) Satellite Communication Market - Global Forecast To 2030

Optical (laser) Satellite Communication Market - Global Forecast To 2030

by Laser Type (Semiconductor Diode, Fiber, Solid-state), Data Rate (< 2.5, 2.5-10, > 10 GBPs), Platform, Application, Component and Region

Download free sample pages

Tomorrow evening, local time in Kourou, another weather forecast will be issued in order to confirm the date of 25 December. The Ariane 5 launch vehicle and Webb are in stable and safe conditions in the final assembly building.


Publishdate:
Dec 21, 2021
European Space Agency (ESA)
View original News release

National Conference on CFIUS 2026

National Conference on CFIUS 2026

Washington, DC
Apr 22 - 23, 2026

View agenda
Military Space Situational Awareness Conference 2025

Military Space Situational Awareness Conference 2025

London, United Kingdom
May 5 - 7, 2026

View agenda