The James Webb Space Telescopes plan for operations and instrument capabilities for observations in the Solar System

TL;DR

The paper outlines JWST's capabilities and planned operations for solar system observations, emphasizing its infrared instruments, target tracking, and its role alongside other missions in planetary science.

Contribution

It details JWST's instrument capabilities, operational plans, and its unique role in solar system observations compared to ground-based and other space missions.

Findings

JWST will observe nearly every solar system object in infrared.

It provides unprecedented detail for Mars and beyond.

JWST's operations complement other missions and observatories.

Abstract

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is optimized for observations in the near and mid infrared and will provide essential observations for targets that cannot be conducted from the ground or other missions during its lifetime. The state of the art science instruments, along with the telescopes moving target tracking, will enable the infrared study, with unprecedented detail, for nearly every object, Mars and beyond, in the solar system. The goals of this special issue are to stimulate discussion and encourage participation in JWST planning among members of the planetary science community. Key science goals for various targets, observing for JWST, and highlights for the complementary nature with other missions and observatories are described in this paper.