Launch schedule and launch vehicle
NASA has contracted SpaceX to deliver the Roman Space Telescope to orbit in August. The mission will use a Falcon Heavy, one of the most powerful launchers currently available for heavy payloads.
Scientific objectives
The observatory is designed to survey large swaths of the sky with high resolution, supporting the hunt for exoplanets, probing dark energy, and mapping the early universe in unprecedented detail.
Agency‑industry partnership
This collaboration leverages NASA's scientific leadership and SpaceX's proven launch capability, aiming to reduce costs and keep the program on schedule.
Key technical features
- 2.4‑meter primary mirror, similar to Hubble's
- Wide‑field camera for extensive sky coverage
- Capabilities in both visible and infrared wavelengths
The launch will take place from Florida's launch complex, with an orbit selected to provide stable, long‑term observation conditions for the telescope.