Four-Story Replica Allows Up-Close View of Breakthrough Scientific Instrument
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Barbara Mikulski (D-Md.) issued the following statement to mark the opening of a four-story replica of the breakthrough James Webb Space Telescope outside the Maryland Science Center in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. The full-sized replica is on display free to the public:
“I believe in the science and innovation that have made America a world leader in discovery. There is no other mission planned either by NASA or any other space agency that can achieve the scientific goals of the James Webb Space Telescope.
“All three winners of the 2011 Nobel Prize in Physics used the Hubble Telescope to discover the universe is expanding faster than we knew and to prove the existence of dark energy. One of those winners, Maryland’s own Dr. Adam Riess, tells us that scientists will need the James Webb Space Telescope to unlock more mysteries of the universe and continue to rewrite our science textbooks. Those discoveries will keep America in the lead for science and technology and inspire students to learn science, technology, engineering and math to become the scientists, inventors and entrepreneurs of tomorrow.
“In Maryland, science is jobs. Scientific innovation creates jobs and economic growth through innovative products and new businesses. The Webb means 1,200 jobs. And already, 10 new technologies have been developed for Webb.
“This exhibit gives Marylanders the opportunity to see American scientific ingenuity up close.”
On October 26, Senator Mikulski will unveil a permanent exhibit on the Webb Telescope at the Maryland Science Center and tour the full-sized Webb replica. She will be joined by NASA Deputy Administrator Lori Garver, Dr. Adam Riess – recipient of the 2011 Nobel Prize in physics, Dr. John Mather – recipient of the 2006 Nobel Prize in physics and Webb telescope senior scientist, Dr. Riccardo Giacconi – recipient of the 2002 Nobel Prize in physics, Dr. John Grunsfeld – deputy director of the Space Telescope Science Institute and a former astronaut who participated in three spaceflights to service Hubble, and Jeff Grant – Vice President and General Manager of Northrop Grumman Space Technology.
Senator Mikulski has been a staunch advocate for the James Webb Space Telescope, which supports scientific discovery and jobs here in Maryland. As Chairwoman of the Senate Commerce, Justice & Science (CJS) Appropriations Subcommittee, she announced the FY 2012 CJS bill fully funds the James Webb Space Telescope to achieve a 2018 launch.
