ADVISORY, July 12, 2011 --

The completion of Webb's mirror polishing is the most challenging and important technological milestone in the manufacture of the telescope. The mirrors were polished at L-3 Integrated Optical Systems - Tinsley to accuracies of less than one millionth of an inch. That accuracy is important for forming the sharpest images when the mirrors cool to -400 ° F (-240°C) in the deep cold of space. For a video explaining the mirror polishing process: http://webbtelescope.org/webb_telescope/behind_the_webb/10

Broadcast quality resolution b-roll, Webb mirror polishing at L3 – Tinsley: http://www.jwst.nasa.gov/videos_mirror.html

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The media is invited to interview representatives from L-3 Integrated Optical Systems – Tinsley, Richmond, Calif., on the company's role in polishing all mirrors for the Webb telescope. Engineers and scientists from NASA Goddard Flight Center and Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems will also be available at the L-3-Tinsley facility. Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) is NASA's prime contractor and leads the design, development and manufacturing effort for the Webb telescope.
When: July 15, 2011
9:30 a.m. Media Facility Tour
10 a.m. - Noon Event and Presentations
Where: L-3 Integrated Optical Systems – Tinsley
4040 Lakeside Drive
Richmond, Calif. 94806
(510) 222-8110
Contact: Mary Blake, (310) 812-6291 (office), (424) 654-6170 (mobile)
mary.blake@ngc.com