The award recognizes NASA and the industry team led by Northrop Grumman for their extraordinary contributions to
The Webb team embodies a pioneering spirit that pushed engineering to new levels and is now defining a new era of astronomical discovery,' said
To enable the observatory's ambitious scientific mission, Northop Grumman and partners invented 10 technologies, including revolutionary optics, detectors, thermal control systems, a deployable sunshield, cryocooler technologies and the manufacturing of a lightweight composite backplane to carry the weight of Webb's mirror, telescope optics and scientific instruments.
In 2022, over the course of two weeks after its historic launch, Webb flawlessly deployed its sunshield and mirrors during a series of complex deployments and maneuvers, the first of its kind ever attempted in space. After achieving its final configuration, the team made a series of fine adjustments to the telescope's optics to bring the telescope's optical train into precise alignment. The team then tested Webb's state-of-the-art scientific instruments and brought them to operational temperature, all necessary to begin Webb's historic mission.
Northrop Grumman leads the industry team for
NASA heads an international partnership that includes the
Northrop Grumman is a technology company, focused on global security and human discovery. Our pioneering solutions equip our customers with capabilities they need to connect, advance and protect the
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Email: Jonathan.Beyoghlow@ngc.com
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