About Us

Central Engineering (CE) is the primary source for the development of scientific instrumentation for the Center for Astrophysics. CE staff conceive, design, fabricate, test, integrate/install, operate, and maintain state-of-the-art instruments for astronomical and astrophysical data collection, for both ground based and space borne insturments. CE also provides ground support and laboratory equipment required to assemble, test, calibrate, and protect them.

Since it was established in 1982 to provide Center for Astrophysics scientists with the opportunity to build a wider range of experimental hardware in-house, CE has grown into a unique, full service engineering organization with a history of providing complex, fully functional, space-qualified, ground-based, or experimental laboratory instruments. Because Central Engineering is structured administratively as a distinct Cost Center within Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, we are able to provide a broad range of highly sophisticated engineering services regardless of the size of the project, at whatever level and within whatever schedule is required.

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Staff

• CE Staff List
  
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