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The world's largest and most advanced space science observatory. Five billion pounds worth of scientific equipment is going to be launched into space in just under two weeks time. As it travels to its final destination, a point about one million miles away, it will begin to unfold its gold honeycombed mirror. It has been described as one of the grand scientific endeavours of the 20 first century.

On 22 December, if all goes to plan, the £7.5bn James Webb space telescope (JWST) will be blasted into space on top of a giant European Ariane 5 rocket. As it travels to its final destination – a point about a million miles away – it will begin to unfold its gold, honeycombed mirror; a vast light-catching bucket that could give us a view of the universe deeper and more sensitive than we’ve ever had before. JWST could also reveal clues about possible life-supporting planets inside our galaxy. One astronomer who will be eagerly deciphering those clues is Prof Beth Biller, who joined Guardian science editor Ian Sample this week.. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/sciencepod