Video: NASA's Next Great Space Telescope

NASA plans to launch the James Webb Space Telescope in 2018. Once in orbit, the infrared telescope will outpace Hubble in its ability to see stars and galaxies millions and billions of light years away.

"It will show us the first stars and galaxies that formed in the early universe," said Eric Smith, NASA program director. "We'll be able to watch the universe light up for the first time." 

Currently, the James Webb Telescope is under construction at NASA's Goddard Space Center. Once complete, it will undergo vibration, acoustic and cryogenic testing.

To learn more about the science behind the telescope, check out the video below from NASA: