JWST
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.
Astrophysics meetings, but not missions, disrupted by government shutdown
The ongoing partial government shutdown has upended aspects of a major astronomy conference this week but has not, for now, affected operations of NASA astrophysics missions.
Senator seeks assurances on JWST and WFIRST funding
As Congress works to finalize a fiscal year 2019 spending bill for NASA, a senator is asking colleagues to secure the future of two of NASA’s largest astrophysics missions.
Independent board chair calls JWST a “step too far”
As NASA works to keep the James Webb Space Telescope on track for a 2021 launch, the chairman of the mission’s independent review board believes that the mission was “a step too far” for the agency.
Foust Forward | Putting a price on the search for life beyond Earth
How much is it worth to answer one of humanity’s biggest questions? That’s a topic that astrophysicists, NASA and Congress will have to grapple with in the next few years.
Senate science hearing debates effectiveness of decadal surveys
A Senate hearing Aug. 1 intended to discuss NASA’s search for life beyond Earth turned into a discussion about the long-standing process the scientific community uses to prioritize missions.
Northrop CEO offers to link JWST profit to mission success
The chief executive of Northrop Grumman said July 26 he is willing to make the profit his company earns on the James Webb Space Telescope contingent on the overall success of the mission.
NASA weighs delaying WFIRST to fund JWST overrun
NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine said July 25 that, in order to address the delays and cost overruns with the James Webb Space Telescope, the agency may seek to slow down development of another flagship astrophysics mission.
