NASA activates Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope camera

NASA has successfully activated the 300-megapixel Wide Field Instrument on the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope. The infrared camera, which features a field of view approximately 100 times larger than the Hubble Space Telescope, is currently undergoing testing as the observatory travels toward the second Lagrange point (L2).

In addition to the camera activation, the mission has received a significant boost in longevity. Due to efficient orbital maneuvers and a lighter-than-expected launch weight, the telescope is projected to have enough fuel for at least 22 years of scientific operations. This is more than double the original estimate of approximately ten years.

The telescope's primary mission is to study dark energy and dark matter using methods such as weak gravitational lensing. It will also utilize a coronagraph to search for exoplanets. Data collection is expected to begin in early 2027.