REDONDO BEACH, Calif., Feb. 20, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) -- Dr. Thomas E. Romesser, Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) Space Technology sector's vice president of technology development, has been elected as a member of the United States' National Academy of Engineering. The honor is among the highest professional distinctions accorded to engineers and the Academy recognized Romesser for his pioneering contributions to high-power laser technology and isotope separation.
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In the field of high-energy lasers, Romesser's work has contributed significantly to a new class of speed-of-light weapons for terrestrial, airborne and space defense, giving the U.S. the technical basis for a new, unparalleled defense capability against missile attack. During the 1990s, Romesser provided engineering and management leadership for the Northrop Grumman-developed Tactical High Energy Laser/Advanced Concept Technology Demonstrator, the first laser weapon ever to shoot down Katyusha rockets and artillery projectiles in flight, and the Airborne Laser, an aircraft mounted high-energy chemical laser now under development by the Missile Defense Agency to destroy ballistic missiles in the boost phase of flight.
Earlier, Romesser's work as technical leader for Northrop Grumman's isotope separation program provided the key step in producing the palladium-103 isotope. Use of palladium-103 has enabled the treatment of over 100,000 prostate cancer patients in the U.S., with a record of 84 percent cancer-free success rate over nine years.
Today, Romesser leads an organization that identifies, develops and acquires strategic technologies and manages discretionary investments in technology and product development for Northrop Grumman's Space Technology sector.
Northrop Grumman's $2 billion Space Technology sector is a world leader in the development of advanced satellite systems, electronic systems and microelectronics, high-energy lasers and other technologies.
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