Ariane flight VA256
Ariane 5 containing the James Webb Space Telescope moments after lift-off | |
| Ariane 5 ECA+ launch | |
|---|---|
| Launch | 25 December 2021, 12:20:00 UTC |
| Operator | Arianespace |
| Pad | Guyana Space Centre, ELA-3 |
| Payload | James Webb Space Telescope |
| Outcome | Success |
| Components | |
| Serial no. | 5113 |
| Ariane launches | |
Ariane flight VA256 was an Ariane 5 rocket flight that launched the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) into space on 25 December 2021. It was 2021's final Ariane flight, its most valuable payload to date, and the 256th Ariane mission. The launch was described by NASA as "flawless" and "perfect".