Which deep-space observatory launched in late 2021 utilizes infrared equipment to look back into cosmic history to view the earliest stars and galaxies?

The question asks to identify a deep-space observatory launched in late 2021 that uses infrared equipment to study the earliest stars and galaxies.

Step 1: Evaluate the launch date. The observatory was launched in late 2021.

• The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) was launched on December 25, 2021.
• The Kepler Space Telescope was launched in 2009.
• The Hubble Space Telescope was launched in 1990.
• The Chandra X-ray Observatory was launched in 1999. Only the James Webb Space Telescope matches the launch date.

Step 2: Evaluate the equipment and scientific goal. The observatory utilizes infrared equipment to look back into cosmic history to view the earliest stars and galaxies.

• The James Webb Space Telescope is designed to be the premier observatory of the next decade, serving thousands of astronomers worldwide. It studies every phase in the history of our universe, from the first luminous glows after the Big Bang, to the formation of solar systems capable of supporting life on planets like Earth, to the evolution of our own solar system. Its primary instruments are optimized for infrared observations.
• The Kepler Space Telescope was designed to discover exoplanets.
• The Hubble Space Telescope primarily observes in visible and ultraviolet light.
• The Chandra X-ray Observatory detects X-ray emissions from hot regions of the universe.

Based on the launch date, infrared capabilities, and scientific mission, the James Webb Space Telescope is the correct answer.

The final answer is $\boxed{\text{A. James Webb Space Telescope}}$.