This doesn’t take into consideration deployment and repair missions.

In comparison, James Webbwhich took 20 years to buildcost NASA about $10 billion.

The telescopes work differently and are intended to complement one another as long as Hubble also remains operational.

Hubble vs Webb Telescope Comparison

Hubble Space Telescope (left) and James Webb Space Telescope (right) view of SMACS 0723 Galaxy Field.

While both Webb and Hubble are reflecting telescopes, key differences give them different views of the universe.

Overlay of Hubble and Webb Space Telescope’s view of SMACS 0723 galaxy field.

Designed to capture infrared light, or thermal radiation, Webb needs to be much colder than Hubble.

GIF Comparison of Hubble and Webb Telescopes

Overlay of Hubble and Webb Space Telescope’s view of SMACS 0723 galaxy field. (GIF viareddit)

For this reason, its orbit is four times farther from Earth than Hubble’s.

The fact that astronauts have been able to maintain Hubble over the years has certainly extended its career.

For Webb, the lack of possibility for repair missions could be a potential issue.

Carina’s Nebula imaged in 2008 by Hubble Space Telescope

Carina Nebula imaged in 2008 by Hubble Space Telescope. (Photo: NASA, ESA, and The Hubble Heritage Team (STScI/AURA))

Take a look at these comparison images and GIFs to see the difference for yourself.

The Hubble Space Telescope has photographed the Carina Nebula many times.

Carina Nebula imaged in 2008 by Hubble Space Telescope.

“Cosmic Cliffs” in the Carina Nebula

“Cosmic Cliffs” in the Carina Nebula (Photo: NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI)

Stephan’s Quintet imaged in 2009 by Hubble Space Telescope.

Southern Ring Nebula imaged in 1998 by the Hubble Space Telescope.

Southern Ring Nebula imaged by Webb Space Telescope’s NIRCam.

Carina Nebula Hubble Webb Comparison

Here’s a side-by-side comparison of the real Hubble and Webb.

Hubble Image of Stephan’s Quintet

Stephan’s Quintet imaged in 2009 by Hubble Space Telescope. (Photo: NASA, ESA and the Hubble SM4 ERO Team)

Stephan’s Quintet

“Stephan’s Quintet” (Photo: NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI)

Hubble vs Webb GIF of Stephan’s Quintet

Southern Ring Nebula imaged in 1998 by the Hubble Space Telescope

Southern Ring Nebula imaged in 1998 by the Hubble Space Telescope. (Photo: Hubble Heritage Team (STScI/AURA/NASA/ESA))

Southern Ring Nebula imaged by Webb Space Telescope’s NIRCam.

Southern Ring Nebula imaged by Webb Space Telescope’s NIRCam. (Photo: NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI)

Southern Ring Nebula Hubble Webb Comparison

Hubble vs Webb Portrait Comparison

Left: Edwin Powell Hubble (1889-1953) (Photo:Johan Hagemeyer (1884-1962), Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons) | Right: James Edwin Webb (1906-1992) (Photo:NASA Johnson Space Center Media Archive, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons)