Short Wave : NPR
NASA is set to launch the Nancy Grace Roman space telescope, a repurposed former spy satellite, to study dark energy and distant galaxies. The mission aims to provide deeper insights into the fundamental nature and fate of the universe.
Why it matters
Advancements in space observation technology are essential for expanding human knowledge of cosmology and the origins of the universe.
The new Nancy Grace Roman space telescope is slated to launch this weekend . It was originally built for the National Reconnaissance Office as a spy satellite, but was never launched. Instead, NRO gave it to NASA about 15 years ago. After some major modifications, it's set to begin its five-year mission peering at new supernovas, distant galaxies and planets orbiting stars outside our solar system. It should help scientists get a better understanding of the mysterious force known as dark energy – which will tell us about the fate of the universe.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in