James Webb Space Telescope latest: Alien-hunting spacecraft unfurls on its way to study the universe

(NASA TV/AFP via Getty Images)

Nasa’s James Webb Space Telescope is on its way further into space – to look deeper into the universe than ever before.

After decades of delays and issues, the telescope had a much more successful Christmas Day launch than expected, and will go on to study the cosmos for years, Nasa said.

Before it does, it must find its position in space, at a location known as L2, hovering in a precise gravitational position that will allow it to study space.

On its way, it will continue to unfurl the precise scientific instruments that will allow it to peer deep into the beginnings of the universe, look for other potentially habitable planets, and much more besides.

Follow for the latest updates as the telescope makes its journey.

[30 December 2021 14:42 · Andrew Griffin]

Telescope gets first big breakthrough

Webb is not even near its eventual arrival. But it’s already getting big surprises.

The launch was so successful and accurate that it needed to use less of the fuel it’s carrying. That means there’ll be more left for its science operations – which should be able to go for at least ten years.

You can read the full story here.

[30 December 2021 14:31 · Andrew Griffin]

Hello and welcome...

... to The Independent’s live coverage of Nasa’s work to get the James Webb Space Telescope deep into space – to a vantage point where it will peer into the beginnings of time.