--- title: "What is the difference between Hubble and James Webb telescopes?" description: "What is the difference between Hubble and James Webb telescopes?" author: "Ashutosh Patel" published: 2023-04-28 updated: 2023-04-29 canonical: https://answers.mindstick.com/qa/99588/what-is-the-difference-between-hubble-and-james-webb-telescopes category: "space technology" tags: ["space science"] reading_time: 3 minutes --- # What is the difference between Hubble and James Webb telescopes? ## Answers ### Answer by Mark John The Hubble Space Telescope and the [James Webb Space Telescope (JWST)](https://www.mindstick.com/news/1138/launch-james-webb-space-telescope-sets-off-on-930-000-mile-voyage) are both powerful observatories that have revolutionized our [understanding](https://www.mindstick.com/news/2594/understanding-what-the-breakthrough-in-fusion-energy-really-means) of the universe. However, they differ in several important ways: **Size and [Design](https://www.mindstick.com/articles/126148/the-way-to-merge-psd-style-and-design-in-to-reactive-html):** The Hubble Space Telescope has a primary mirror that is 2.4 meters (7.9 feet) in diameter, while the JWST has a much larger primary mirror that is 6.5 meters (21.3 feet) in diameter. This larger mirror will allow the JWST to collect more light and observe fainter objects in the universe. Additionally, the JWST is designed to operate in a special [location](https://www.mindstick.com/news/2574/twitter-conveniently-reveals-a-location-sharing-policy-amid-elonjet-controversy) in space known as the second Lagrange point, or L2, which is farther away from Earth than the Hubble's orbit. ![What is the difference between Hubble and James Webb telescopes?](https://answers.mindstick.com/questionanswer/079bbdab-8bd9-49dc-b23f-18033d665af7/images/2d4b713d-d55a-411e-870c-36f1a3b4b65b.jpeg) **Observational [Capabilities](https://www.mindstick.com/interview/490/explain-the-concepts-and-capabilities-of-assembly-in-dot-net)**: The Hubble Space Telescope primarily observes in visible and ultraviolet light, as well as some infrared wavelengths. The JWST, on the other hand, is specifically designed to observe in the infrared range of the [electromagnetic spectrum](https://www.mindstick.com/articles/329822/how-to-calculate-your-company-s-wavelength-service-capability), which will allow it to study the earliest galaxies and stars in the universe, as well as the formation of planets around nearby stars. **[Scientific Instruments](https://www.mindstick.com/news/3136/isro-moon-mission-chandrayaan-3-spacecraft-integrated-with-launch-vehicle)**: The Hubble Space Telescope has five scientific instruments, including cameras and spectrometers that allow it to capture detailed images and spectra of objects in space. The JWST, by contrast, has four scientific instruments, including a [camera](https://www.mindstick.com/news/1996/while-using-third-party-apps-iphone-14-pro-users-reported-for-camera-shakiness-and-some-noise) and a suite of spectrographs that are optimized for infrared observations. **[Mission](https://www.mindstick.com/news/4150/isro-s-shukrayaan-greenlit-venus-mission-to-study-weather-and-atmosphere) Duration:** The Hubble Space Telescope has been in operation since 1990 and is expected to remain in service until at least 2030. The JWST, which is scheduled to launch in December 2021, is designed to operate for at least 10 years, with the possibility of extending its mission if it remains in good condition. **[Maintenance](https://www.mindstick.com/articles/333912/maintenance-made-simple-how-online-tools-enhance-property-management) and Repair**: The Hubble Space Telescope has been serviced and repaired by astronauts on several occasions, which has allowed it to remain in operation for more than 30 years. The JWST, by contrast, is not designed for on-orbit servicing and repairs, which means that it must be designed to operate reliably for its entire mission duration. Overall, the Hubble Space Telescope and the James Webb Space Telescope are both powerful scientific instruments that have made and will continue to make important contributions to our understanding of the universe. While they differ in their size, design, and observational capabilities, both telescopes are crucial to advancing our knowledge of the cosmos and inspiring future generations of scientists and astronomers. --- Original Source: https://answers.mindstick.com/qa/99588/what-is-the-difference-between-hubble-and-james-webb-telescopes Copyright © MindStick Software Pvt. Ltd. This Markdown version is provided for developers, AI systems, and offline reading.