Northrop Grumman Wins Collier Trophy for NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope

Rhea-AI Summary

Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) has won the National Aeronautic Association's (NAA) Robert J. Collier Trophy for its groundbreaking work on NASA's James Webb Space Telescope. This prestigious award, which honors significant achievements in aeronautics and astronautics, recognizes Northrop Grumman's leadership in the telescope's design, integration, and launch preparation. Webb is the first deployable space telescope, featuring 10 innovative technologies that enhance its capabilities. The award ceremony will take place on June 15, 2023, in Washington D.C. CEO Kathy Warden expressed pride in the team’s accomplishments, emphasizing their contributions to expanding humanity's understanding of the universe.

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• Received the Robert J. Collier Trophy, a prestigious award in aerospace, for the James Webb Space Telescope.
• Northrop Grumman led the design and total system integration of the Webb telescope, showcasing its innovative capabilities.
• Webb incorporates 10 new technologies, enhancing its performance and scope in astrophysics.

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• None.

WASHINGTON, April 05, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The James Webb Space Telescope industry team, led by Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC), has won the prestigious National Aeronautic Association (NAA) Robert J. Collier Trophy for revolutionizing the field of astrophysics with the team’s pioneering design and exceptional performance of NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope.

• Northrop Grumman led the design, build, total system integration and prepared the observatory for launch
• The Collier Trophy is the highest achievement in aerospace and astronautics in America
• Webb is the world's first space deployable telescope and includes 10 new technologies
  

For the last time on Earth, the James Webb Space Telescope’s sunshield was deployed and tensioned by testing teams at Northrop Grumman in Redondo Beach, California where final deployment tests were completed. (Photo Credit: NASA/Chris Gunn)

Experts:

Kathy Warden, chair, chief executive officer and president, Northrop Grumman: “The James Webb Space Telescope is one of the greatest achievements in aerospace history. In a matter of months, Webb has changed our understanding of the universe, and many more discoveries lie ahead. We dedicate the Collier Trophy to the Northrop Grumman employees and our industry partners who delivered humanity an extraordinary observatory to explore the universe and inspire future generations.”

Tom Wilson, corporate vice president and president, Space Systems Sector, Northrop Grumman: “Our team’s unmatched ability to innovate enables us to push the boundaries of possible every day. This distinct honor reflects the impact of our work and the pioneering spirit, dedication and passion of our entire Northrop Grumman team.”

Details:

Since 1911, the Collier Trophy recognizes a team or individual who has made the greatest achievement in aeronautics or astronautics during the previous year. Past recipients of the trophy include: Orville Wright (1911), Howard Hughes (1938), Neil Armstrong (1969), the B-2 (1991), Global Hawk (2000), SpaceShipOne (2004) and the X-47B (2013).

The Collier Trophy will be presented at the NAA Gala in Washington, D.C. on June 15.

The Collier Trophy recognizes the Webb team for activities in 2022, where over the course of two weeks after its historic launch, Webb flawlessly unfolded 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 adjustments 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 science mission.

To enable the observatory’s ambitious scientific mission, Webb incorporates innovative design, advanced technology, and groundbreaking engineering. Ten technological inventions were created to build the advanced telescope 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.

Key suppliers for the Webb team include Ball Aerospace, L3Harris, NeXolve and Raytheon.

Northrop Grumman is a leading global aerospace and defense technology company. Our pioneering solutions equip our customers with the capabilities they need to connect and protect the world, and push the boundaries of human exploration across the universe. Driven by a shared purpose to solve our customers’ toughest problems, our 95,000 employees define possible every day.

Contact:	Omar Torres
	424-237-4704
	omar.torres@ngc.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7239f68d-30f9-44b4-bfd2-35c0b404485a

FAQ

What award did Northrop Grumman win for the James Webb Space Telescope?

Northrop Grumman won the Robert J. Collier Trophy for its work on the James Webb Space Telescope.

When will the Collier Trophy be presented to Northrop Grumman?

The Collier Trophy will be presented on June 15, 2023, in Washington D.C.

What are the key achievements of the James Webb Space Telescope?

The James Webb Space Telescope is recognized for being the first deployable space telescope and incorporating 10 innovative technologies.

Who leads the team behind the James Webb Space Telescope?

Northrop Grumman Corporation leads the design and integration of the James Webb Space Telescope.