The launch had been scheduled for Christmas Eve but a forecast of high-level winds at the spaceport forced it to be postponed.
Thousands of people from 29 countries have worked on the project since the 90s. With the launch falling on Christmas amid a global surge in Covid cases, there were fewer spectators at the launch site than expected.
Around the world, astronomers had eagerly waited to see Webb finally taking flight after years of setbacks. Last-minute technical snags bumped the launch nearly a week, then gusty wind pushed it to Christmas. Inside launch control, there was a smattering of Santa hats.
