Imagining the Space Observatories of the Future
Dr. Jonathan (Jon) Arenberg
Chief Mission Architect for Science and Robotic Exploration
in Space Sector’s Tactical Division. NGC
Abstract: The ongoing success of well-known space observatories such as Hubble, Chandra and Webb causes even the casual observer to ask the question, “What is next?” What will be next great leap in our ability to observe the universe? What have we learned from the development of recent large space observatories such as Chandra and Webb? Astronomy is an observational science and is limited by the technology it can deploy. The imperative to advance our knowledge of the universe the drives the need for ever more capable systems. To create these every more capable systems demands resources, such as funding, time and people. A discussion of the sustainability of the field will be discussed and the challenge of increased productivity in development will be introduced. We will examine how application of lessons learned, creative architectures, novel management approaches and new trends in technology could address the sustainability challenge. This wide-ranging discussion will include examples of missions concepts proposed and currently under development.
Dr. Jonathan (Jon) Arenberg Chief Mission Architect for Science and Robotic Exploration in Space Sector’s Tactical Division. This role includes developing, planning, and conducting strategic analyses for space science missions across all science disciplines. He was responsible for directing Northrop’s studies of potential successor missions to the Webb as part of the recent astrophysics decadal review and recent Astrophysics Probe Explorer proposals. Dr. Arenberg has experience working on astronomical programs such as the Chandra X-ray Observatory, development of the starshade and NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope. He held several positions on Webb, structural technology test lead, system design leader, systems engineering manager and finally chief engineer. In addition to his work on astronomical systems, he has also contributed to major high-energy and tactical laser systems, laser component engineering, metrology, optical inspection and technology development projects and is a member of national and international standards committees related to lasers and electro-optics.
Dr. Arenberg has a Bachelor of Science in physics, a Master of Science and PhD in engineering all from University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). He is a Fellow of the international optics and photonics society, SPIE, and an Associate Fellow of AIAA. He is the author of over 240 conference presentations, papers and book chapters and co-author of a recent book on systems engineering for astronomy from SPIE press. He holds 15 European and U.S. patents in a wide variety of areas of technology
Combined In-Person Meeting & Webinar
6:00 pm: In-Person Reception
7:00 pm: On-line Login & Networking
7:00 pm: Dinner
7:30 pm: OSSC Business
8:00 pm: Technical Presentation
Dinner Fee
Members: $35, Non-Members: $45, Student Members: $10
Late Fees of $10, after 11:59 pm Friday February 7
(No Fee for attending without dinner)
Registration Required
Online Registration until Tuesday, February 11, 2025
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