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The Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope

Dec 13, 2025
Get ready for a cosmic journey as we explore NASA's upcoming Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope! This innovative observatory aims to map the universe and shed light on cosmic expansion and the evolution of galaxies. Discover how it plans to unearth thousands of planets, including mysterious cold worlds, using groundbreaking imaging technology. Learn about the telescope's impressive 2.4-meter mirror, its role in advancing our understanding of dark energy, and the exciting discoveries awaiting us in the universe!
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INSIGHT

Wide Surveys Are Science-Critical

  • The Roman telescope was driven by the need for large, uniform surveys to study dark energy and exoplanets.
  • A wide-field infrared space telescope was the top Decadal Survey recommendation to deliver that survey-scale science.
ANECDOTE

Spy Telescopes Changed Everything

  • NASA acquired two unused 2.4-meter telescope assemblies from the National Reconnaissance Office in 2012.
  • That single event upgraded WFIRST's potential by giving it Hubble-sized optics without building a new mirror.
ANECDOTE

Assembly Milestone Reached

  • Roman passed its critical design review in September 2021 and completed flight hardware fabrication by 2024.
  • Technicians joined the telescope segments on November 25, 2025, starting final testing before launch prep in summer 2026.
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