Coherent Loans James Webb Space Telescope Demonstration Mirror to Space Foundation Discovery Center
08 April 2024 - 12:00PM
Coherent Corp. (NYSE: COHR), a leader in advanced optical systems,
announced today an agreement with the Space Foundation Discovery
Center, located in Colorado Springs, Colorado, to provide on loan a
demonstration mirror developed for the James Webb Space Telescope
(JWST).
The JWST launched on December 25, 2021, after a 25-year
construction project heralded as one of the most complex and
ambitious projects in engineering and space exploration history.
The telescope almost immediately revolutionized our understanding
of the universe, much like the Hubble Space Telescope did, by
providing unprecedented clarity and depth in its observations of
the early universe, star and planet formation, and other key
astronomical phenomena. Its observations are highly anticipated by
the scientific community and are expected to yield groundbreaking
discoveries in the years to come.
The Space Foundation Discovery Center focuses on inspiring and
educating individuals of all ages about space, science, and
technology. Its mission is to serve as the leading advocate and
gateway for lifelong education, trusted information, and
collaboration for anyone interested in space exploration and
industries influenced by space. This is achieved by advancing
science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics (STEAM) in
the context of space exploration, development, and utilization. The
Discovery Center is currently nearing the completion of a
renovation designed to improve visitor experience and add new
exhibits, such as the JWST mirror.
“The hexagonal mirrors are not only a testament to the
technological expertise behind the James Webb Space Telescope, but
also a symbol of the collaborative spirit driving humanity's
exploration of the universe,” said Rachel English, Space Foundation
Discovery Center senior curator. “We are honored to have this piece
on display where it will undoubtedly inspire curiosity and ignite
imaginations of Discovery Center visitors for years to come.”
The JWST mirrors represent the most visible feature of the
telescope. The 6.5 meter (21.3 feet) primary mirror is comprised of
18 hexagonal segments made from beryllium and coated in gold to
maximize reflectivity in the infrared spectrum. The Coherent
contribution to the mirror assembly consisted of the atomic
engineering of the surface and applying advanced thin-film coatings
to assure durability of the JWST hexagonal mirror segments, as well
as the secondary, tertiary, and fine steering mirrors. The
technology innovations necessary to complete the mirrors represent
a series of engineering achievements that have crossed over to
commercial markets, including the OLED display panel manufacturing
for mobile devices.
“The iconic hexagonal segments that form the primary mirror of
the James Webb Space Telescope comprise one of the highest
performance of large-scale imaging optics used in space-based
imaging,” said Dr. Chris Koeppen, Chief Innovation Officer and
Senior Vice President of the Coherent Aerospace & Defense
Business Unit. “We are proud of our successful history in custom
and large-format optics and in successfully supplying optical and
thermoelectric solutions in over one hundred space missions.”
The JWST demonstration mirror will be transferred to the
Discovery Center on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, in a brief ceremony at
the 39th Space Symposium. Attendees are invited to join Coherent
and the Discovery Center representatives for this ceremony, which
will take place at 4:00 p.m. MDT.
About Coherent
Coherent empowers market innovators to define the future through
breakthrough technologies, from materials to systems. We deliver
innovations that resonate with our customers in diversified
applications for the industrial, communications, electronics, and
instrumentation markets. Headquartered in Saxonburg, Pennsylvania,
Coherent has research and development, manufacturing, sales,
service, and distribution facilities worldwide. For more
information, please visit us at coherent.com.
About Space Foundation
Space Foundation is a nonprofit organization founded in 1983,
offering information, education, and collaboration for the global
space ecosystem. Driven by partnerships, Space Foundation unites
the entire spectrum of stakeholders—business, government,
education, and local communities—through support from corporate
members, sponsors, fundraising, and grants. Visit Space Foundation
at SpaceFoundation.org, and follow us on Facebook, X, Instagram,
LinkedIn, and YouTube.
Contacts:
Amy WilsonManager, Corporate
Communicationscorporate.communications@coherent.com
Rich CooperVice President, Strategic Communications &
OutreachSpace Foundation(202)
596-0714rcooper@spacefoundation.org
Dottie O’RourkeTECHMarket Communications(650)
344-1260SpaceFoundation@techmarket.com
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6b5720ff-6fb4-4e96-a081-7530f85bc6f1
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