Ariane 5 ECA+ | James Webb Space Telescope (JWST)

The Astrophysics flight Ariane 5 ECA+ | James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) departed Guiana Space Centre, French Guiana atop a Ariane 5 ECA+, bound for L2.

Launch time
Status
SUCCESS
Operator
Arianespace
Mission type
Astrophysics
Rocket
Ariane 5 ECA+
Launch site
Guiana Space Centre, French Guiana
Launch pad
Ariane Launch Area 3
Payload
—
Target orbit
L2
Ariane 5 ECA+ | James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) cover image

Mission timeline

  1. 2021-12-25T12:20:07.000Z
    Liftoff
    Ariane 5 ECA+ roars off the pad at Guiana Space Centre, French Guiana.
  2. Max-Q
    The vehicle reaches Max Q, the highest aerodynamic load of the flight.
  3. Main engine cutoff (MECO)
    MECO — first-stage propulsion ends after a nominal burn.
  4. Stage separation
    Clean stage separation confirmed.
  5. Second-stage ignition
    The upper-stage engine lights up after separation.
  6. Orbit insertion
    Orbit insertion confirmed — now circling in L2.
  7. Mission success
    All mission objectives achieved.

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