The Role of Science and Operations in the James Webb Space Telescope Mission Development

Abstract

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is a general purpose space-based infrared Observatory that will be situated at the second Sun-Earth Lagrange Point (L2). Envisioned to be the scientific successor to NASA’s most successful astronomical mission – the Hubble Space Telescope, JWST will be utilized by international teams of scientists to investigate a wide range of fundamental astrophysical questions ranging from the nature of the first luminous sources of light in the Universe to the process of planet formation. Developed by a partnership of three space agencies, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the European Science Agency (ESA), and the Canadian Science Agency (CSA), the Observatory will be operated from the Science and Operations Center (S&OC) located at the Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) in Baltimore. The nature of the science pursued by JWST necessitates an observatory design that employs innovate concepts and design solutions that lie beyond the current limits of space technology. Development and operation of JWST present unique challenges. These challenges arise from the nature of the science program, the observatory architecture and technology, the constraints of the operational environment, and the participation of a large number of diverse government, academic and industrial organizations in the program. The Space Telescope Science Institute brings experience from the Hubble Space Telescope development and operations to the JWST mission. The STScI science and operations staff has been involved in the JWST mission from the very early stages of the development process. This participation strives to inform the development process of the science and operations drivers for, and consequences of each design decision. The ultimate goal is achieving a high scientific return with optimal lifecycle cost, efficient operations and design. This paper discusses the role of the Science and Operations Center in pursing these objectives and the mechanisms by which they are being achieved. It provides an overview of the Science and Operations Center, discusses the challenges inherent in satisfying the JWST scientific mission, and outlines the operations concept that is serving to guide the mission design.