Scientist world-renowned for keeping Hubble Space Telescope
in orbit
and in good repair
speaks at Michigan State University
Frank J. Cepollina, deputy associate director for NASA's Hubble Space Telescope Development Project, was on Michigan State University's campus to present a public lecture on Friday, Oct. 9, 2009.
He shared insights into the space telescope's manufacture and repair during a special lecture free to the public. He presented a not-before-seen video of astronauts in space during the latest repair mission, and talked with engineering students about his career and their goals.
The special visit is sponsored by MSU's Institute for Public Policy and Social Research in the College of Social Science and MSU's College of Engineering.
Mr. Cepollina attended the University of Santa Clara to earn a B.S. in mechanical engineering. He worked for Aerojet General Corporation and the Defense Intelligence Agency before joining NASA in 1963. He worked with NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, specializing during his early career in designing satellites and spacecrafts.
He became known for his innovative techniques for servicing satellites, designing new tools and interfaces for astronauts to use, and for leading the historic 1993 mission to repair the Hubble Space Telescope.
He was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame in 2003 for pioneering the concept of repairing satellites while they are in orbit. His inventions are now at work beyond outer space. They are utilized in detecting breast cancer and in the power tools of advanced manufacturing.
See the video of Mr. Cepollina's presentation (.wmv)
See Mr. Cepollina's PowerPoint presentation.
Download the news release about Mr. Cepollina's visit to MSU.
See Mr. Cepollina's Wikipedia entry
Read about Mr. Cepollina's induction into the National Inventor's Hall of Fame
Read about Mr. Cepollina's career.
