JWST
NASA expects to cover JWST launch slip with budget reserves
NASA hopes to keep the costs of additional delays in the James Webb Space Telescope within the program’s existing reserves and thus avoid asking Congress for additional funding.
NASA confirms JWST will miss March 2021 launch date
The head of NASA’s science directorate confirmed June 10 that the James Webb Space Telescope will miss its March 2021 launch date, a slip that was all but inevitable as the coronavirus pandemic slowed work on the spacecraft.
Work on JWST ramps up again
NASA and Northrop Grumman are increasing work on the James Webb Space Telescope that slowed during the coronavirus pandemic, but the agency has yet to confirm a new launch date for the mission.
Limited work continues on JWST
While NASA has resumed some work on the James Webb Space Telescope, project officials say even that limited level of activity will soon come to a halt because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Coronavirus pauses work on JWST
NASA has suspended work on the James Webb Space Telescope as it prioritizes what agency missions require people to be on site during the coronavirus pandemic.
GAO warns of more JWST delays
A report by the GAO Jan. 28 concluded it was unlikely that NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope will launch on schedule next March, with a delay of several months possible.
JWST remains on schedule for March 2021 launch
Despite a limited amount of schedule reserve remaining, both NASA and Northrop Grumman are cautiously optimistic that the James Webb Space Telescope will remain on schedule for launch in March 2021.
JWST schedule margin shrinks
While NASA achieves milestone assembling and testing the James Webb Space Telescope, a key manager said the mission only has a few months of schedule reserve left ahead of a March 2021 launch.
Senate appropriators advance bill funding NASA despite uncertainties about Artemis costs
The Senate Appropriations Committee approved a bill Sept. 26 that would give $22.75 billion for NASA, but expressed some frustration about the lack of details in the agency’s plans to return humans to the moon.
JWST’s two sections assembled for the first time
The two major sections of NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope have been connected to each other for the first time, a milestone in the spacecraft’s assembly ahead of a 2021 launch.
Senator criticizes cost and schedule issues with NASA programs
The chairman of a key Senate committee said he’s “troubled” by cost and schedule growth on major NASA programs and is asking the agency for more information on their status.
JWST review board raises schedule concerns
As NASA commits to performing another cost and schedule estimate for the James Webb Space Telescope, the chairman of an independent review board said he’s concerned about its ability to remain on track for a launch in two years.
Northrop Grumman pleased with progress integrating Orbital ATK
Northrop Grumman executives said Jan. 31 that the integration of the former Orbital ATK into the company is largely going according to plan but warned there could be financial impacts to the company if there is another government shutdown.
House spending bill fires warning shot at JWST
A new appropriations bill the House plans to vote on next week would provide $21.5 billion for NASA in 2019 but warns that any further problems with the James Webb Space Telescope could lead to its cancellation.
