The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) was not inserted directly into the L2 (Lagrangian point 2) orbit. Instead, it followed a complex series of maneuvers to reach its destination.
The journey of the JWST began with its launch aboard an Ariane 5 rocket from French Guiana. After reaching space, the telescope went through a series of engine burns and trajectory corrections over the course of several weeks or months. These maneuvers were carefully calculated to gradually raise the JWST's orbit and align it with the L2 point.
The L2 point is a stable gravitational point in space, located about 1.5 million kilometers (932,000 miles) from Earth in the direction directly opposite the Sun. However, it is not directly above or below Earth. To achieve a vertical orientation with respect to Earth, the JWST executed a series of trajectory correction maneuvers, using its propulsion system to adjust its position and orientation.
The final trajectory corrections were performed using the telescope's thrusters to make precise adjustments to its velocity and direction. By carefully controlling the timing and duration of these maneuvers, the JWST was able to reach its desired L2 orbit and orient itself perpendicular to the Earth.
Reaching the L2 point and maintaining the desired orientation required careful planning, calculations, and precise execution of the trajectory correction maneuvers. The engineers and mission controllers involved in the JWST mission ensured that the telescope followed the necessary path and achieved the desired orbital position and orientation.