NASA hopes to launch the long-delayed space telescope on Halloween to investigate the secrets of the early universe.

A wing of the primary mirror of the James Webb Space Telescope opened in place during the final test of the mirror deployment system in May 2021.

The James Webb Space Telescope opened its huge mirror for the last time on Earth. The next time the large golden piece blooms like an origami flower, it will be in space. 

NASA said in a statement on Tuesday: "The conclusions of this test represent a series of tests that the team has conducted to ensure that Weber’s 18-sided hexagonal mirrors are prepared for long-distance travel in space and deep discovery of life. The last checkpoint in China."

At the press conference, NASA and Northrop Grumman, the main contractor of the project, stated that the next-generation telescope is expected to be launched this year. Once upon a time, NASA’s goal was to launch in 2007, but technical delays and pandemics delayed the date to its current goal, October 31.

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Weber's primary mirror spans more than 21 feet (6.5 meters). It is so large that it must be folded to fit the Ariane 5 launch vehicle to protect it from 1 million miles (1.6 million kilometers) from Earth on its way into space.

NASA stated: “In order to deploy, operate, and focus the golden mirror, in addition to the complex back-end software support, 132 independent actuators and motors are required.” “Proper deployment in space is essential for fine-tuning Weber’s single mirror. The process of becoming a powerful large reflector is crucial."   

During the update, the JWST team stated that the testing of the telescope components and the rehearsal of launch and deployment activities are progressing smoothly. There are still some tests to be done before the telescope is packaged and shipped to the launch site of the European Spaceport in French Guiana.  

James Webb hasn't come fast enough. NASA and the European Space Agency’s iconic old Hubble Space Telescope are still holding on, but they have faced many technical difficulties in recent years. 

The new telescope will be powerful enough to peer into the early universe and expand our understanding of distant planets. It should be a worthy successor to Hubble's legacy. It only needs to enter space first.

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