It actually happened!

After decades of development, billions of dollars, and countless delays, the James Webb Space Telescope successfully launched on Christmas Day atop an Ariane 5 rocket from French Guiana.

I don't think the astronomy community has collectively held its breath for this long in a very long time. The launch was so spectacularly precise that the fuel saved during the orbital insertion means the telescope's lifespan could be significantly extended.

Now begins the terrifying, month-long process of unfolding its massive sunshield and golden mirrors as it journeys out to the L2 Lagrange point. If everything works as planned, this infrared observatory is going to fundamentally change our understanding of the universe.

I've written a few times about JWST and it's difficult journey to fruition.

Here's a post from 2011 when it was nearly cancelled:
July 07, 2011 - Proposed Cancellation of JWST

And here is another (also 2011), about it's value to humanity:
July 20, 2011 - Is the James Webb Space Telescope Worth It?

It's kills me to think that we nearly lost this wonder and the knowledge that it will bring...