Jonathan Arenberg

Dr. Jonathan Arenberg is a space systems engineer with a career spanning more than three decades in astronomical mission design. Arenberg serves as chief mission architect for science and robotic exploration at Northrop Grumman, where he leads mission and technology development for space science missions across multiple disciplines. Before joining TRW, now Northrop Grumman, Arenberg worked at Hughes Aircraft Company, beginning as an intern. He completed his graduate studies as a Hughes master's and doctoral fellow while employed at Hughes, gaining experience on tactical laser and sensor systems. He holds a Bachelor of Science in physics, a Master of Science, and a PhD in engineering, all from UCLA.

Arenberg has played a central role in several NASA space observatories. He contributed to the "Chandra X-Ray Observatory," a space telescope that investigates high-energy regions of the universe, including black holes and supernovas. On the "James Webb Space Telescope," Arenberg held positions ranging from technology development and systems design leader to systems engineering manager, ultimately serving as the program's chief engineer. The James Webb Space Telescope uses infrared light to observe the early universe, distinguishing it from other space telescopes such as Hubble. Arenberg also co-invented the Starshade, a technology designed to reveal planets orbiting other stars.

Arenberg directs Northrop Grumman's studies of potential successor missions to the Webb as part of the astrophysics decadal review and Astrophysics Probe Explorer proposals. His research includes optimizing the manufacturing process for X-ray optics, developing a concept for a terahertz observatory with a large inflatable primary reflector, and exploring alternate architectures for NASA's next observatories. In addition to his work on astronomical systems, Arenberg has contributed to high-energy and tactical laser systems, laser component engineering, metrology, optical inspection, technology development projects, and the development of U.S. national and international standards.

Arenberg has authored more than 210 conference presentations, papers, and book chapters, and holds 14 European and U.S. patents in various technology areas. He is co-author of a book on systems engineering for astronomy from SPIE Press. Arenberg is a Fellow of SPIE, the international optics and photonics society, and an Associate Fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics. He received the UCLA Samueli Professional Achievement Award for his accomplishments in the aerospace industry and his commitment to science education.

Arenberg is active in science communication, presenting complex concepts to audiences ranging from government and corporate officials to students worldwide. He serves as a California State Science Fair judge, public speaker, referee for several journals, and guest editor for special journal issues. His public lectures on the James Webb Space Telescope, delivered at venues such as the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, highlight his ability to communicate advancements in space exploration and astronomical engineering.