Axsys To Produce Optical Components For James Webb Space Telescope

SPACE SCOPES

James Webb Space Telescope

Rocky Hill CT (SPX) Aug 20, 2004
Axsys Technologies, an integrated supplier of precision optical assemblies and components used in a variety of high performance commercial, aerospace and defense applications, announced Thursday that it has received a $18.6 million definitive contract from Ball Aerospace and Technology Corporation to produce beryllium optical substrates for the James Webb Space Telescope ("JWST").

The contract contains $9.9 million of production revenues and $8.7 million for facilitization.

As previously announced in September of 2003, Axsys Technologies' Precision Machined Products division, located in Cullman, Alabama, was selected as part of the beryllium mirror team to produce a 6.5-meter primary mirror to be used on the JWST.

The primary mirror is comprised of 18 individual lightweight beryllium segments. Northrop Grumman is the prime contractor for JWST, which is due to launch in 2011, and will replace the Hubble as NASA's premier space telescope.

Because of the large size of the primary mirror, JWST will be significantly more sensitive than ground-based infrared telescopes, enabling it to search for the first stars and galaxies formed in the universe billions of years ago.

Axsys' contract includes the production of optical substrates for an engineering development unit, 18 primary mirror segments and support structures. We expect to complete the engineering development unit in the first quarter of 2005, with delivery of all 18 segments by the end of 2006.

Stephen W. Bershad, Chairman and CEO of Axsys Technologies, commented: "This order is very significant to Axsys and demonstrates our technical and market leadership in producing precision optical products for demanding applications.

Additionally, it provides Axsys with an expanded knowledge base that we will be able to apply to new programs for applications beyond 2006."

C.R. "Bud" Jenkins, President of Axsys' Aerospace and Defense Group added: "We have been working with NASA, Ball Aerospace and the other members of the beryllium mirror team for over five years to prove the viability of beryllium on this program."

"We are excited about our contribution to such an important program and look forward to the successful launch and deployment of leading-edge technology."

SPACE SCOPES

Picking Hubble's Course

Moffett Field CA (SPX) Jul 30, 2004
NASA has selected nine studies to investigate new ideas for future mission concepts within its Astronomical Search for Origins Program.

Thanks for being here; We need your help. The SpaceDaily news network continues to grow but revenues have never been harder to maintain. With the rise of Ad Blockers, and Facebook - our traditional revenue sources via quality network advertising continues to decline. And unlike so many other news sites, we don't have a paywall - with those annoying usernames and passwords. Our news coverage takes time and effort to publish 365 days a year. If you find our news sites informative and useful then please consider becoming a regular supporter or for now make a one off contribution.
SpaceDaily Contributor $5 Billed Once credit card or paypal		SpaceDaily Monthly Supporter $5 Billed Monthly paypal only

The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2016 - Space Media Network. All websites are published in Australia and are solely subject to Australian law and governed by Fair Use principals for news reporting and research purposes. AFP, UPI and IANS news wire stories are copyright Agence France-Presse, United Press International and Indo-Asia News Service. ESA news reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. Advertising does not imply endorsement, agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by Space Media Network on any Web page published or hosted by Space Media Network. Privacy Statement All images and articles appearing on Space Media Network have been edited or digitally altered in some way. Any requests to remove copyright material will be acted upon in a timely and appropriate manner. Any attempt to extort money from Space Media Network will be ignored and reported to Australian Law Enforcement Agencies as a potential case of financial fraud involving the use of a telephonic carriage device or postal service.