Starting A New Project: Thoughts from NGST

Abstract

Some key elements of the history of NGST (Next Generation Space Telescope) that made a new mission possible will be reviewed, from the very beginnings to the present moment in the middle of selecting a prime contractor. A few forecasts of the possible discoveries will be made that may precede the launch of a new UV telescope, in hopes of inspiring sufficiently ambitious goals that they will still be exciting in 15 or 20 years. We will also discuss the enabling technology for NGST and my thoughts on enabling technology for a UV telescope Flint: they are not all about detectors and Mirrors!