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It was a spy satellite, now NASA's newtelescope is set to head into space

NASA is due to launch its latest space telescope, a repurposed spy satellite which will accompany the James Webb Space Telescope. So what is it, and why is it being used?

This story summarizes reporting from ABC News Australia. Read the original for full context. Wire items stay in our news sitemap for seven days. Editorial policy.

Read full story on ABC News Australia →

Ellen Phiddian27 Aug 2026, 07:00 pmUpdated 1d ago1 min readAsiaAustralia

Australia — Ellen Phiddian

It was a spy satellite, now NASA's new telescope is set to head into space

NASA is due to launch its latest space telescope, a repurposed spy satellite which will accompany the James Webb Space Telescope. So what is it, and why is it being used?

This report is published with credit to ABC News Australia. The wire sent a summary; open the original for any extra context. Read on ABC News Australia →

Source: ABC News Australia · Ellen Phiddian. Published 27 Aug 2026, 07:00 pm.

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