The James Webb Space Telescope and Hubble Space Telescope were both designed by NASA to study the composition and characteristics of our universe. Both of these telescopes have unique characteristics, allowing them to accomplish different objectives.
Size & Dimensions of James Webb vs Hubble Space Telescope
The James Webb Space Telescope’s (JWST) primary mirror diameter and focal length are nearly three times greater than that of the Hubble Space Telescope’s (HST). NASA designed JWST to continue HST’s mission in greater detail, with stronger magnification and nearly half the weight.
| James Webb Space Telescope | Hubble Space Telescope | |
| Diameter of Primary Mirror | 6.5 m (23.1 ft) | 2.4 ft (7.8 ft) |
| Total Weight | 6161 kg (13,584 lbs) | 2,200 kg (24,000 lbs) |
| Focal Length | 131.4 m (431.1 ft) | 57.6 m (189 ft) |
| Total Size | 22 m x 12m (69.5 ft x 46.5) | 13.3 m x 4.2 m (43.5 ft x 4ft) |
Design of James Webb vs Hubble Space Telescope
Both James Webb (JWST) and Hubble (HST) Space Telescope are reflecting telescopes, meaning they use mirrors to collect and focus light. Despite being the same type of telescope, the design of each varies based on its orbit and objectives.
| James Webb Space Telescope | Hubble Space Telescope | |
| Design | Three-Mirror Anastigmat | Ritchey-Chrétien Cassegrain |
| Light Protection | Multi-Layered Sunshield | Aluminium Teflon Wrap |
| Primary Mirror Material | Beryllium | Ultra-Low Expansion Glass |
| Scientific Instruments | NIRSpec, NIRCam, FGS/NIRISS, MIRI | WFC3, COS, ACS, STIS, NICMOS, FGS |
Launch of James Webb vs Hubble Space Telescope
The James Webb (JWST) and Hubble (HST) Space Telescopes were launched by NASA over 30 years apart. Shortly after HST’s launch, engineers began planning its successor, JWST.
| James Webb Space Telescope | Hubble Space Telescope | |
| Launch Date | December 25, 2021 | April 24, 1990 |
| Launch Location | Guiana Space Center | Kennedy Space Center |
| Deployment Date | January 24, 2021 | April 25, 1990 |
Orbit of James Webb vs Hubble Space Telescope
The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) orbits significantly further and faster than the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) because it orbits the sun, instead of the earth.
| James Webb Space Telescope | Hubble Space Telescope | |
| Orbit Location | Lagrange Point 2 | Geocentric orbit |
| Distance from Earth | 1.5 million km (1 million mi) | 535 km (332 mi) |
| Speed of Orbit | 106,216 kph (66,000 mph) | 27,000 kph (17,000 mph) |
Wavelengths of James Webb vs Hubble Space Telescope
James Webb (JWST) and Hubble (HST) Space Telescope focus on different wavelengths, but overlap from 0.6 to 2.5 microns. By observing different wavelengths, scientists are able to gather a deeper and more detailed perspective of celestial bodies.
| James Webb Space Telescope | Hubble Space Telescope | |
| Type of Radiation | Near-infrared, mid-infrared | Visible, near-infrared, ultraviolet |
| Wavelength Range | 0.6 to 28 microns | 0.1 to 2.5 microns |
Observations of James Webb vs Hubble Space Telescope
Both the James Webb (JWST) and Hubble (HST) Space Telescopes are multi-purpose, meaning they pursue numerous objectives at once. Because of their unique tools, each telescope is able to observe different parts of the universe.
| James Webb Space Telescope | Hubble Space Telescope | |
| Primary Focus | Earliest stars, faintest galaxies, exo-planets | Age, composition, expansion of the universe. |
| Furthest Observation | 33.6 billion lightyears | 12.9 billion lightyears |
| Transmission Speed | 28 megabits per second | 1 megabit per second |