Precision Measurements to Test the Standard Model and for Explosive Nuclear Astrophysics This thesis presents two significant results in the field of precision measurements in low energy nuclear physics. Firstly it presents a precise half life determination of 11C leading to the most precise ft value for a beta decay transition between mirror nuclides an important advance in the testing of the electroweak sector of the Standard Model. Secondly it describes a high precision mass measurement of 56Cu a critical nucleus for determining the path of the astrophysical rapid proton capture process performed by the author using the LEBIT Penning trap at the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory. This new measurement resolves discrepancies in previously reported calculated mass excesses. In addition the thesis also presents the construction and testing of a radio frequency quadrupole cooler and buncher that will be part of the future N = 126 factory at Argonne National Laboratory aimed at producing nuclei of interest for the astrophysical rapid neutron capture process for the first time Chapter 1. Introduction Chapter 2. Half life Measurement of 11C for Testing the Standard Model Chapter 3. The LEBIT Facility and Penning Traps Chapter 4. Mass Measurement of 56Cu for the Astrophysical rp Process Chapter 5. A Cooler Buncher for the N = 126 Factory Chapter 6. Summary and Outlook