FIT Presentation Focuses On Webb Space Telescope Project

By  //  April 30, 2013

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn Share on Delicious Digg This Stumble This

At Florida Tech On Wednesday, May 1

ABOVE VIDEO: Considered to be the successor to both the Hubble and Spitzer telescopes, Webb is a scientific game changer that will push the boundaries of modern science and technology, and is expected to address questions as ancient as “When were the first stars and planets formed?” and “Are we alone in the universe?” (MrAbkebab)

BREVARD COUNTY • MELBOURNE, FLORIDA – A delegation from Northrop Grumman’s Aerospace Systems sector will be in Melbourne on Wednesday evening to present an overview of the company’s space technology portfolio, including programs like the James Webb Space Telescope that are leading the next generation into space.

A team of engineers and technicians from NASA prepare to load three James Webb Space Telescope mirror segments into a test chamber in the X-ray & Cryogenic Facility at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center. The Webb Space Telescope is scheduled to launch in 2014 to study the formation of the universe and the evolution of our solar system. (Image courtesy of NASA/MSFC)
A team of engineers and technicians from NASA prepare to load three James Webb Space Telescope mirror segments into a test chamber in the X-ray & Cryogenic Facility at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center. The Webb Space Telescope is scheduled to launch in 2018 to study the formation of the universe and the evolution of our solar system. (Image courtesy of NASA/MSFC)

The event will be from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 1 at Florida Institute of Technology’s Gleason Performing Arts Center.

Among the speakers is Florida Tech alumnus Jeff Grant, sector vice president and general manager of Space Systems.

Northrop Grumman is a long-standing supporter of Florida Tech’s College of Engineering and College of Science, including sponsorship of the annual Engineering and Science Student Design Showcase. This brings more than 90 industry leaders to campus to judge more than 100 projects in 12 engineering and science disciplines.

WORLD’S GREATEST EYE IN SPACE

The Northrop Grumman speakers, including Sector Vice President and James Webb Space Telescope Program Manager Scott Willoughby, and Business Development Manager Blake Bullock, will share how the company is conquering its own engineering challenges as prime contractor on NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope —what will be the world’s greatest eye into space.

The undertaking involves more than 1,200 skilled scientists, engineers and technicians from across the United States and at least 15 other countries.

“We are honored to provide a forum to share the incredible advances in space technology and how Northrop Grumman is leading the next generation into space. This is a great opportunity to showcase Northrop Grumman and Florida Tech’s continuing commitment to the space program.” T. Dwayne McCay, Florida Tech’s executive vice president and chief operating officer.

The telescope, with a 6.5-meter diameter mirror, will offer mankind vision into unseen areas of the universe.

Considered to be the successor to both the Hubble and Spitzer telescopes, Webb is a scientific game changer that will push the boundaries of modern science and technology, and is expected to address questions as ancient as “When were the first stars and planets formed?” and “Are we alone in the universe?”

The public is welcome to attend this free event, which includes a panel discussion and Q&A session. Light refreshments will be served.

Dwayne McCay
Dwayne McCay

“We are honored to provide a forum to share the incredible advances in space technology and how Northrop Grumman is leading the next generation into space. This is a great opportunity to showcase Northrop Grumman and Florida Tech’s continuing commitment to the space program,” said T. Dwayne McCay, Florida Tech’s executive vice president and chief operating officer.

While the event is free to the public and the Florida Tech community, advanced registration is requested.

Send your name and the number of guests in your party attending to Ann Marie Kousari at akousari@fit.edu or leave a message at 321-674-6152.