Multiple RIT scientists contribute to the newest space telescope
RIT leading largest General Observer program in James Webb Space Telescope’s first year
When the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) launches, it will mark the culmination of nearly 30 years of development on the most powerful observational instrument ever made. Numerous members of Rochester Institute of Technology’s College of Science have been involved in its creation or will work on projects once it becomes operational.
JWST is currently scheduled to launch no earlier than Friday, Dec. 24. After launch, it will spend about six months traveling to its destination 1.5 million kilometers from Earth, unfolding its sunshield and mirrors, and undergoing science and calibration testing before it begins regular science operations and programs including COSMOS-Web can begin collecting data.