Current Role of the Space Telescope Science Institute in JWST

The Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) plays a central role in Webb, and in maximizing the science output of the mission. STScI is the Science & Operations Center for Webb.

  • STScI coordinates the selection of the scientific program

    Every year during science operations, a world-wide community of scientists are invited to submit observing proposals. The submitted proposals are peer reviewed using a pioneering dual-anonymous system to minimize selection bias.

  • STScI manages the Webb science grants program

    US-based investigators are eligible for financial research support when they are awarded Webb observing time. Support is also available for archival research programs. STScI manages the dissemination of research support funds.

  • ​​​​​​​STScI provides user-friendly software for proposing and planning observations

    The suite of observation planning tools is needed to predict the performance of Webb, and to craft observing procedures for obtaining images and spectra of astronomical objects.

  • STScI operates the observatory and its instruments

    STScI hosts the Mission Operations Center, which sends commands for the observatory to execute, monitors its operational health, and receives scientific data on a daily basis. STScI is also responsible for optimizing and characterizing the performance of Webb’s science instruments.

  • STScI provides software for analyzing and calibrating Webb's data

    Raw data from the observatory are not yet ready for scientific interpretation. Technical experts at STScI create the software needed to transform raw Webb data into a format that scientists can readily use for scientific analysis and publication.

  • STScI makes Webb's scientific data accessible to scientists around the world

    All of the scientific data that Webb produces is eventually made freely available on the Mikulski Archive for Space Telescopes (MAST). MAST offers powerful tools for easy searches of the Webb database, and for cross-referencing with data from other observatories, such as Hubble.

  • ​​​​​​​STScI trains scientists in the use of Webb

    STScI provides the scientific community with extensive documentation, regular training workshops, and a help desk staffed with technical experts.

  • STScI explains the ground-breaking science of Webb to a public audience

    Public outreach experts and content creators at STScI translate Webb’s scientific data and results into beautiful imagery, narratives, graphics, and videos to convey the excitement of discovery to the public.

  • STScI conducts world-class research with Webb

    Science staff at STScI actively use Webb for their own independent astronomical research. The user experience of STScI researchers helps the mission optimize community support and thereby maximize science return.

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For technical assistance, please contact the JWST Help Desk.

 

The NASA James Webb Space Telescope, developed in partnership with ESA and CSA, is operated by AURA’s Space Telescope Science Institute.