Northrop Grumman teams work on innovative space technology

Women at Northrop Grumman are contributing to innovative technology that's transforming the world - and the universe - while making an impact that reaches far into space.

One such technology is the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), the largest and most complex telescope in history. JWST is the most powerful space telescope ever built and is ushering in a new chapter of astronomy and understanding of the cosmos.

Enjoy incredible work with impact

NASA and the James Webb Space Telescope industry team, led by Northrop Grumman Corporation, have won the prestigious National Aeronautic Association (NAA) Robert J. Collier Trophy, the highest achievement in aerospace and astronautics in America.

The team won the NASA Agency Honors Awards, recognizing their expertise and exceptional achievements in aerospace. These prestigious awards are the highest forms of recognition, and acknowledge individuals and teams who show excellence and leadership in their roles.

"Even though it’s a big project with a lot of people, I feel like I know just about everyone, from the vice president to the new technicians. And every single one of us has to do our part for it to really come together; everybody doing their best is the only way that it’s going to get done," commented Northrop Grumman Mechanical Design Engineer, Mei Li.

Altering our understanding of the universe

JWST is making observations once thought to be impossible; multiple new technologies had to be invented simply to build it. The groundbreaking mirror and powerful instruments are being used to discover and study distant planetary systems. The telescope is also looking deep into the past, to a time when the earliest stars and galaxies were born. By extending our knowledge of the cosmos, JWST will help us answer the compelling questions: “How did we get here?” and “Are we alone?”

JWST fundamentally alters our understanding of the universe. Northrop Grumman ensured that this once unthinkable achievement became a reality. Identified as a top priority for astronomy and astrophysics by the National Research Council, the JWST is a key program for NASA and the scientific community and is central to the nation’s ground- and space-based astrophysics program.

Creating an opening for boundless opportunity

As the prime contractor to develop the James Webb Space Telescope, Northrop Grumman designed and built the deployable sunshield, provided the spacecraft and integrated the total system. The observatory subsystems were developed by a Northrop Grumman-led team with vast experience in developing space-based observatories.

Before the team could begin to build the most complex telescope ever, they had to invent technologies that never existed before. For many employees, the opportunity to work on JWST was the opening for boundless opportunity. From a new element ton the Periodic Table to embracing digital transformation to creating zero gravity here on earth, Northrop Grumman employees created something that the entire universe can be proud of.