NASA Briefing at Full-Sized James Webb Space Telescope Model

WASHINGTON - Media are invited to a briefing about NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope on Thursday, May 10 from 10-11 a.m. EDT. Attendees will have an opportunity to see a full-scale model of NASA’s next-generation space telescope and examine its hexagonal mirror and five-layer sunshield. The briefing will take place next to the telescope model on display at the National Mall, between the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum and the National Gallery of Art, Washington.

Experts will discuss the telescope’s mission in deep space, its role in NASA’s space exploration program and current construction progress. Participants are:
Edward Weiler, director, NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md.
Matt Mountain, director, Space Telescope Science Institute, Baltimore
Martin Mohan, Webb Telescope program manager, Northrop Grumman Space Technology, Redondo Beach, Calif.


To attend, contact Grey Hautaluoma, NASA Headquarters, Washington, 202-358-0668, grey.hautaluoma-1@nasa.gov or Sally Koris, Northrop Grumman Space Technology, 310-812-4721, sally.koris@ngc.com.

The James Webb Space Telescope is a 21st century space observatory that will peer back nearly 13 billion years in time to understand the evolution of our own solar system and the formation of galaxies, stars and planets. It is expected to launch in 2013. The telescope is a joint project of NASA, the European Space Agency and the Canadian Space Agency.

The model is on display in conjunction with Public Service Recognition Week, sponsored by the Council for Excellence in Government.