Analysis:
The NASA James Webb Space Telescope entered into service in July 2022, stationed at a solar orbit 1 million miles above the Earth. The telescope unfolding was the most challenging engineering feat ever undertaken by NASA. JWST is the largest optical telescope in space and is equipped with near-infrared and spectral analysis sensors. The first set of science images to be acquired exceeded all expectations and included the highest-resolution images of deep-space objects that have ever been seen. Subsequent observations include some of the oldest galaxies and stars ever observed. One of the most stunning observations captured the environmental composition of an exoplanet and confirmed the presence of water in its atmosphere. Physicists will process data collected by JWST for decades to come. - Mike Oitzman