The Hubble Space Telescope has spectacularly extended our understanding of the universe. As often happens in science, discoveries raise new questions that are beyond present capabilities. The James Webb Space Telescope is designed to continue—and expand—the legacy of discovery from Hubble. Hubble studies the universe in wavelengths near visible light, while Webb will look at infrared light.

Hubble studies the universe inwavelengths near visible light,while Webb will look at infraredlight.

A larger light collecting area helps Webb peer farther back in time.

Webb's orbit, far from Earth, will allow its infrared instruments to operate near absolute zero.