[20180803]IF10940_詹姆斯·韦伯太空望远镜.pdf

https:/crsreports.congress.gov August 3, 2018The James Webb Space TelescopeIntroduction The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) reported in March 2018 that it expects to breach the $8 billion cost cap established by Congress for formulation and development of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). If that occurs, NASA would have to stop work on the project unless Congress enacts legislation authorizing it to continue. In addition, an independent review of JWST in May 2018 identified a number of technical and management challenges. This CRS In Focus provides information on JWST, the cost cap, and the independent review. It concludes with a brief discussion of issues that Congress may face as it considers the future of JWST. Figure 1. The James Webb Space Telescope. Source: NASA. Note: Artists impression. Not yet launched. What Is JWST? NASA and its prime contractor, Northrop Grumman, are developing JWST as a successor to the Hubble Space Telescope, which has been operating since 1990. The main scientific goals of JWST are to study the formation of galaxies, stars, and planets. Unlike Hubble, which orbits the Earth at an altitude of 353 miles, JWST is designed to op