Jonathan Arenberg is Chief Mission Architect for Science and Robotic Exploration at Northrop Grumman. Dr. Arenberg has worked on the Chandra X-ray Observatory, James Webb Space Telescope and co-invented the Starshade concept. Currently, his research includes the optimization of the manufacturing process for x-ray optics, a concept for a terahertz observatory with a large inflatable primary reflector and alternate architectures for NASA’s Next Great Observatories. Dr. Arenberg is an SPIE Fellow, and an Associate Fellow of the AIAA.

 

2025 NASA Symp

NGC advanced materials for solid rocket motors 

Northrop Grumman’s solid rocket motors incorporate cutting-edge materials and technologies to meet the demanding requirements of defense, space exploration, and commercial applications. Advanced propellants are engineered for optimal performance, ensuring reliable thrust and efficiency. Additively manufactured components, including hybrid metal-polymer structures, enhance precision and reduce production costs. Modular tooling and robotic manufacturing processes streamline assembly while maintaining high-quality standards. Thermal protection systems, featuring alternate carbon-carbon suppliers and innovative insulators, safeguard the motors against extreme temperatures and erosion. These advancements contribute to the durability and reliability of solid rocket motors, enabling them to operate effectively in harsh environments. By leveraging decades of expertise and continuously integrating new materials and processes, Northrop Grumman is driving innovation in propulsion systems, supporting critical missions across various industries. These efforts ensure the motors are adaptable, cost-effective, and capable of meeting the evolving needs of modern aerospace and defense applications.

 

2024 NASA Symp

Polymeric materials have long played a role in the development of systems for space astronomy. We will discuss the history and future application of these materials. We will review their application from the component to the system level. The recently proposed SALTUS observatory will be discussed in some detail as an example of polymers enabling future systems.

 

2023 NASA Symp

Polymers And Their Roles In Space Astronomy

Polymers play a wide variety of roles in space-based observatories.  These roles range from their ubiquitous roles in insulation to seminal new technologies and architectures.  This talk will introduce and discuss the roles polymers have played in previous generations of space observatories, with an emphasis on the recently launched James Webb Space Telescope. We will also discuss the role that polymers play in future observatories, such as the Habitable Worlds Observer and SALTUS a mission based on inflatable technologies

 

2022 NASA Symp

Chemistry and the Next Great Leap in Sustainable Space Living

In the second half of this decade, the USA plans to deploy a Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) space station. To make this mission a reality, many of the technical limitations due to the extremely tight tolerances needed to minimize the probability of failure, need to be resolved. The limitations of the materials, instruments, and systems have their roots in chemistry. We will review certain aspects of the space sciences that can be addressed by chemistry and when answered will help power the next great leap in sustainable LEO space living and beyond.