NeXolve Holding Company, a key partner in the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) mission, is proudly celebrating its first year of discoveries and the ongoing success of its sunshield layers.

The Webb team, which includes NeXolve, was recently awarded the 2022 Robert J. Collier Trophy by the National Aeronautic Association (NAA). Coming on the heels of the Space Command’s relocation to Alabama being cancelled, NeXolve receiving this recognition is just another example of why Huntsville will remain a leader in the space sector.

NeXolve was recognized in Washington, D.C. for their contributions to the Telescope’s extraordinary design and performance. This latest achievement serves as a testament to the region’s commitment to advancing space technologies.

The Collier Trophy is awarded annually “for the greatest achievement in aeronautics or astronautics in America, with respect to improving the performance, efficiency, and safety of air or space vehicles.”

NeXolve now joins the ranks of previous winners, such as Orville Wright, Neil Armstrong, and the Space Shuttle program.

“We are thrilled to be part of this award-winning team. After years of dedicated research and development, it’s exciting to witness the James Webb Space Telescope unraveling mysteries of the universe,” said Jim Moore, NeXolve’s President. “We are grateful to the NAA for recognizing the groundbreaking achievements of the JWST team.”

Among the ten technological inventions developed for the JWST, NeXolve’s sunshield technology stands out. After its historic launch, Webb unfolded its sunshield and mirrors during a series of complex deployments, the first of its kind ever completed in space.

The JWST continues to improve our understanding of the universe. Recently, the telescope detected the CH3+ compound in space, spotted new objects believed to be “dark stars,” and captured visuals showing a close-up birth of Sun-like stars. These accomplishments would not have been possible without the advanced technology and materials provided by NeXolve.