The Curated Adventures of an Industrial Physicist: Space Astrophysics Missions Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow

 

This talk introduces previous, current and potential future space astrophysics missions.  Among the missions are the Chandra X-ray Observatory, the James Webb Space Telescope, Starshades and the Decadal missions now currently under study.  A series of curated visits to the programs are presented to  give an example of how a physics trained engineer, the speaker, has contributed to all of these missions. The talk will also include a brief discussion of how physics education fits into an industrial career.

 

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Bio: Jonathan Arenberg’s work experience includes optical, space and laser systems, working on such astronomical programs as the Chandra X-ray Observatory, James Webb Space Telescope and the Starshade concept for the direct imaging of extra-solar planets. He has worked on major high-energy and tactical laser systems, laser component engineering, metrology and optical inspection issues. Dr. Arenberg is currently the Chief Engineer for the James Webb Space Telescope and Space Science Missions at Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems is widely published, holds over a dozen US and foreign patents and is an SPIE Fellow.