The James Webb Space Telescope is the most powerful space telescope ever made – and the most complex one yet designed. Did you know that the telescope’s history stretches back before the Hubble Space Telescope was launched? This video explores the various early concept designs for Webb, including the criteria and the players. Learn more about Webb’s final design, how it evolved, and how the completed telescope was tested and prepared for its historic launch.

Credit: NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center

Producer:
Michael P. Menzel (AIMM)

Writer:
Michael P. Menzel (AIMM)

Video editor:
Michael P. Menzel (AIMM)

Interviewer:
Michael P. Menzel (AIMM)

Interviewees:
Eric Smith (NASA/HQ)
John Mather (NASA/HQ)
Keith Parrish (NASA/HQ)

Animators:
Adriana Manrique Gutierrez (KBRwyle)
Leah Hustak (STSCI)
Michael Lentz (KBRwyle)
Michael P. Menzel (AIMM)
Walt Feimer (KBRwyle)

Cinematographers:
John Caldwell (AIMM)
Rob Andreoli (AIMM)

Narrator:
Sophia Roberts (AIMM)

Videographers:
Arianespace/ESA/CNES
Michael McClare (KBRwyle)
Michael P. Menzel (AIMM)
Northrop Grumman
Sean Goebel
Sophia Roberts (AIMM)
W.M. Keck Observatory

Technical support:
Aaron E. Lepsch (ADNET)

Camera Operators:
John Caldwell (AIMM)
Rob Andreoli (AIMM)