STScI Engineering and Technology Colloquium: Technology for HWO
About Event
Location
Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI)
3700 San Martin Drive
Baltimore, MD 21218
Time
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM EDT
Description
A special Engineering and Technology Colloquium featuring Bertrand Mennesson (Roman Deputy Project Scientist and HWO Pre-Formulation Scientist at JPL) and Shouleh Nikzad (JPL Fellow, Senior Research Scientist, and Science Division Manager).
Notes
This event will be held in person and virtually. To stream the colloquium, please click the Webcast button above. The password is uDDSmyec876.
The goal of STScI Engineering and Technology Colloquia is to provide speakers for our community of the highest caliber from leading-edge engineering and technology disciplines and promote collaboration with professionals across the Institute. The steering committee invites speakers not only from conventional engineering disciplines, but from across business, academia, and government. Obtaining speakers with perspectives and knowledge that can enrich the understanding of our staff and simultaneously enhance their connections with other professionals across the nation is fundamental to ensuring STScI remains at the forefront of its mission.
Please direct questions or comments to seatc@stsci.edu. The 2025 committee members are Aasif Chanandin, Reena DeBerry, Melody Easton, Sherita Hanna, Aiden Kovacs, Donald McLean, Lauretta Nagel (Chair), Susan Reed, Michael Register, Justin Trammell.
Additional event information
-
Speaker: Bertrand Mennesson (Roman Deputy Project Scientist and HWO Pre-Formulation Scientist at JPL)
Title: Exploring the Science and Technology Trade Space for the Habitable Worlds Observatory High Contrast Spectro-Imaging System
Abstract: The Habitable Worlds Observatory (HWO) is NASA’s next flagship observatory, recommended by the 2020 Astronomy and Astrophysics Decadal Survey. The recommendation also included the formation of a new pre-formulation program and project to mature the science, technology and mission concept before entering Phase A at the end of this decade. This talk focuses on how the HWO Technology Maturation Program Office (TMPO) has spent its first year exploring the trade space of science, engineering, and technology for high contrast exoplanet observations.Speaker: Shouleh Nikzad (JPL Fellow, Senior Research Scientist, and Science Division Manager)
Title: Science Instrument Technologies for the Habitable Worlds Observatory
Abstract: NASA’s Habitable Worlds Observatory, the 6-m UV/Optical/IR flagship mission recommended by the Decadal Survey, will create enormous opportunities for discovery. To realize the vision for HWO’s exciting capabilities, we need high performance, advanced, and mature technologies. In this talk, we will focus on a subset of HWO technology gaps, maturation plans, and expected impact on science objectives in both general astrophysics and exoplanet characterization. We will discuss low noise, high efficiency detector and grating technologies, as well as high efficiency coatings for reflective optical components and imaging detectors. We will discuss work with industry and academia as crucial partners in focused efforts to create essential infrastructure to develop and deliver future capabilities for HWO.