JWST “will launch on the stable, reliable Ariane 5 with 81 consecutive successful flights over nearly 15 years,” they explain. Moreover, there is “robust insight” provided by a combination of frequent direct interactions between the JWST team and the booster’s operator, Arianespace, a French launch company. That relationship is further supplemented by ongoing advisory support from other parts of NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA).

“Through a more than 14-year partnership, JWST has developed a strong relationship with ESA and Arianespace, with leadership personnel maintaining long-term stability,” Lawrence and Smith explain. This “gives NASA confidence that all launcher issues of interest will be thoroughly and adequately addressed for JWST prior to launch,” they note.