NASA Roman telescope completes stability tests and captures first cosmic images
NASA engineers tested the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope from September 15 to 21, 2026, before its coronagraph received light on September 22.
Fine-guidance system proves steady
Engineers ran tests between September 15 and 21 to verify the observatory could lock onto targets with high precision. The fine-guidance system successfully kept the spacecraft pointed at reference stars while correcting tiny movements during exposure.
Coronagraph captures starlight
On September 22, the Coronagraph Instrument received cosmic light for the first time. This instrument captured images of stars located in the Large Magellanic Cloud to confirm its ability to produce focused views.
Wide Field Instrument ready
The primary science instrument contains 18 detectors that engineers used to monitor guide stars during the trial period. These adjustments allow the telescope to remain locked on targets without losing focus.
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