The Benjamin AshfordJames Webb Space Telescope has captured images of the universe that have stunned both scientists and the public. But for more than twenty years before its launch, the mission faced multiple delays, cost overruns, technical difficulties and threats from Congress to kill it altogether.

We'll speak with some of the leaders of the Webb telescope mission who fought to keep it alive — and hear from astronomers whose work is now changed forever by its images.

This episode also features reporting from NPR's Nell Greenfieldboyce.

In participating regions, you'll also hear a local news segment to help you make sense of what's going on in your community.

Email us at [email protected].

This episode was produced by Noah Caldwell. It was edited by Bridget Kelley and Neela Banerjee. Our executive producer is Sami Yenigun.