From Hubble’s breathtaking images to the deep infrared view of the James Webb Space Telescope, space-based observatories have transformed how we see the universe. They reveal black holes, probe dark energy, trace the birth of stars, and even let us study the atmospheres of distant planets, pushing astronomy into entirely new territory.

In this episode of Rays and Waves, Daniel and Steven sit down with Lee Feinberg, a true veteran of space telescope engineering. Lee joined NASA during the Hubble era and played a key role in diagnosing and correcting its original optical flaw, helping restore one of the most important scientific instruments ever built.

Lee then went on to spend more than two decades on the James Webb Space Telescope as Optical Telescope Element Manager. We explore the critical decisions that shaped Webb, from selecting beryllium for its segmented primary mirror to developing new ways to test a deployable telescope at cryogenic temperatures, as well as the "cup up" optical test configuration that made full system testing possible on the ground.

This conversation dives into the optical engineering behind humanity’s most ambitious telescopes and what it takes to build instruments capable of looking back to the earliest moments of the universe.

If you enjoy the show, share it with your colleagues, subscribe, and leave us a review. Got thoughts or questions? Reach out at rays.and.waves.podcast@gmail.com

Intro music is Good Vibe by Twisterium. Thanks for the great tunes!

Outro music by Lee Feinberg and fellow NASA engineers. Recorded back in the 90s!