Discuss the engineering and scientific challenges involved in the design and deployment of space telescopes like the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) and their role in advancing astrophysics.

Space telescopes like the JWST face engineering challenges, including precise mirror alignment, thermal stability, and reliable deployment mechanisms. These instruments must operate in harsh space environments while maintaining high sensitivity and resolution. The JWST’s advanced capabilities enable it to observe distant galaxies, study stellar formation, and analyze exoplanet atmospheres, significantly advancing our understanding of the universe and complementing ground-based observations.