Working on Webb

What it was like to be part of the team that built the largest, most complex telescope in history.

Defining Possible on Webb

From making an impact on the universe to feeling like a member of the team in every role, Northrop Grumman employees have defined possible over and over again while building the Webb Telescope.

male in bunnysuit in front of rocket

To the Edge of the Universe

Mei Li Hey

From Intern to Mechanical Design Engineer on the James Webb Space Telescope

Two engineers in clean suits inspect JWST sunshield panels

Digital Modeling for Out of This World Environments

Scientist in lab coat looking up at the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST)

James Webb Technology

Letting Astronomers Peer into the Early Universe

James Webb Space Telescope in facility

NASA’s James Webb Telescope: First Images and Initial Operations

stars and planets

Watch Northrop Grumman’s “The Dawn of Webb” Trailer

rendering of webb telescope inflight deep space

Cosmic Game Changer: Northrop Grumman and NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope

This three part series chronicles the historic development, build, deployment and success of the James Webb Space Telescope, lead by Northrop Grumman.

Game Changer Part I Game Changer Part II Game Changer Part III

"I couldn't be more excited to be a part of something this fundamental."

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Even though it’s a big project with a lot of people, I feel like I know just about everyone, from the vice president to the new technicians. And every single one of us has to do our part for it to really come together; everybody doing their best is the only way that it’s going to get done."
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Mei Li
Mechanical Design Engineer

"Things we didn't know we had to invent had to be invented."

Incredible Technologies Made by NG Employees

Before we could begin to build the most complex telescope ever, we had to invent technologies that never existed before. For many employees, the opportunity to work on Webb was the opening for boundless opportunity. From a new element ton the Periodic Table to embracing digital transformation to creating zero gravity here on earth, Northrop Grumman employees created something that the entire universe can be proud of.

man in bunnysuit working on JWST sunshield

Engineering Marvel - The James Webb Space Telescope Mega Sunshield Takes Its Shape

James Webb Space Telescope

The Backplane of NASA's Webb Telescope Offers a Strong Steady Hand

Northrop Grumman and Nasa's James Webb Space Telescope

engineers working on space craft

Why the Webb Spacecraft Bus in is a League of Its Own

Cryocooler

The Coolest Technology Cryocoolers

Two people in clean suits look up at the James Webb Space Telescope

Creating Zero G on a Planet Weighted Down by Gravity

Infographic showing artist rendering of James Webb Space Telescope and its spin off technologies

Spin Off Technologies from Webb Telescope are Helping Other Ventures

What If?

Webb will make observations once thought to be impossible. The groundbreaking mirror and powerful instruments will discover and study distant planetary systems. Webb will also look deep into the past, to a time when the earliest stars and galaxies were born.


By extending our knowledge of the cosmos, the Webb telescope will help us answer the compelling questions, “How did we get here?” “Are we alone?” and “What if?” Read more about the James Webb Space Telescope in Now - Powered by Northrop Grumman.

Could the Webb Telescope Discover the Largest Object in the Universe?

The Webb Telescope Will Look Farther into Space

The Hunt for Earthlike Exoplanets

Crushed Space Rocks Hint at Water-Rich Exoplanets

Alien Life Could Be Found on New Planets

What Is a Brown Dwarf?

"I get to be with everyone else, looking at the images, going 'WOW'."