Webb telescope encapsulated inside Ariane 5 rocket’s nose cone

The Ariane 5 rocket’s payload fairing was lowered over the James Webb Space Telescope on Friday. Credit: ESA-Manuel Pedoussaut

The James Webb Space Telescope has been closed up inside the nose cone of its Ariane 5 launcher in French Guiana, and officials confirmed Saturday the huge astronomical observatory is set for blastoff Dec. 24.

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