Arrival at the Kennedy Space Center
On June 21, 2026, NASA’s Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope was delivered to the Kennedy Space Center in Florida aboard the agency’s Pegasus barge. After being lifted from the barge, the observatory was driven to the spaceport’s processing area.
Transfer to the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility
The telescope was then moved to the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility (PHSF), where it will undergo a series of safety and functional checks required before launch integration.
Targeted launch window
NASA has set the earliest possible launch date for the mission at August 30, 2026, pending successful completion of processing activities and favorable weather conditions.
Mission significance
Roman will extend the scientific capabilities of the Hubble Space Telescope by providing wide‑field infrared imaging of the cosmos. The observatory is expected to contribute to studies of dark energy, exoplanet atmospheres, and galaxy formation.
Next steps
- Finalize safety and functional inspections at the PHSF
- Integrate the telescope with its launch vehicle
- Prepare for launch operations at Launch Complex 39