Current and Future NASA Space Telescopes

Dr. Joe Howard

Bausch & Lomb Room 109 or Remote Zoom

Recorded Talk

Abstract:  Astronomy is arguably in a golden age, where current and future NASA space telescopes are expected to contribute to this rapid growth in understanding of our universe.   A summary of our current space assets will be given, as well as an update on the status of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), almost ready for launch.  Future telescopes will also be discussed, including the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope (RST), the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA), as well as mission concept studies considered in the 2020 Decadal Survey in Astrophysics.

Bio:  Joseph M. Howard received BS in physics from the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, and his Ph.D. in Optical Design from The Institute of Optics, University of Rochester, in Rochester, New York. He now serves as an optical designer for NASA, working on projects including the James Webb Space Telescope, the Roman Space Telescope, LISA, and the other future space missions.  Joe lives with his wife, two children, and dog and cat in Washington DC.