Eyes in Space: Optical Engineering for NASA's Flagship Telescopes
This webinar is hosted By: Optical Fabrication and Testing Technical Group
13 November 2025 15:30 - 16:30
Eastern Time (US & Canada) (UTC -05:00)
Margaret Dominguez has worked at NASA for over 15 years as an optical engineer. She has worked on both the Hubble and James Webb Space Telescopes and is currently working on the Roman Space Telescope, the successor to Webb. During her talk, she will discuss some technical details of these missions, what they have in common, and discuss the upcoming NASA astrophysics missions.
Subject Matter Level: Intermediate - Assumes basic knowledge of the topic
What You Will Learn:
• Gain insights into the optical engineering behind major NASA space telescopes: Hubble, James Webb, and Roman.
• Understand the common technical elements across these missions and how they evolve.
• Learn about upcoming NASA astrophysics missions and the future of space telescope technology.
Who Should Attend:
• Students and professionals in optical engineering, astronomy, or physics interested in real-world applications at NASA.
• STEM enthusiasts and educators curious about space telescopes and NASA’s astrophysics missions.
• Anyone considering a career in space science or engineering, looking for inspiration and insights from a NASA engineer.
About the Presenter: Margaret Dominguez from NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
Dr. Margaret Dominguez is an Optics Associate Branch Head and Optical Engineer at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, where she has worked since 2008. She holds a B.S. in Physics from Universidad de las Américas Puebla (Mexico) and an M.S. and Ph.D. in Optical Sciences from the University of Arizona. She has worked on the Hubble and Webb Space Telescopes and, more recently, served as test lead for the grism component of the Roman Space Telescope, scheduled to launch in 2026. Margaret is also a passionate STEM advocate and currently serves on the STEM board at the Children's Science Center in Virginia and sits on the board of directors for the nonprofit DiscoverE. She is also an OPTICA Ambassador. Outside of work, she enjoys Jazzercise, movies, travel, and walks with her husband and son.
