Space mission · United States

What life-cycle cost did GAO report for the James Webb Space Telescope in 2021?

The James Webb Space Telescope is an infrared observatory developed by NASA with ESA and CSA participation. Before launch, the U.S. Government Accountability Office reported a US$9.7 billion project life-cycle estimate, including more than construction of the spacecraft itself.

Published project estimate

$9.7 billion

Cost basis: 2021

NASA engineer Ernie Wright looks on as the first six flight ready James Webb Space Telescope's primary mirror segments are prepped to begin final cryogenic testing at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center.
NASA/MSFC/David HigginbothamPublic domain

Cost evidence

Basis of the published figure

Published project estimate2021
gao.gov

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