NASA has announced its comprehensive coverage plans for the upcoming prelaunch and launch activities of the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope. This next-generation observatory, designed to explore critical cosmic mysteries including dark energy, is scheduled to launch aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket from Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center.
The mission’s liftoff is targeted for no earlier than 7:26 a.m. EDT on Sunday, August 30. Launch coverage will commence at 6:20 a.m., with live streaming available across multiple platforms. Details on viewing options are provided below.
Named in honor of NASA’s first chief astronomer, the Roman Space Telescope combines sharp infrared vision with a field of view over 100 times larger than the Hubble Space Telescope. Its advanced capabilities will enable groundbreaking research into dark energy and dark matter, exoplanet characterization, galaxy mapping, black hole studies, and exploration of objects from the solar system to the universe’s outer reaches.
Following launch, the telescope will travel to the second Sun-Earth Lagrange point (L2), approximately one million miles from Earth. The mission’s five-year primary phase aims for a decade-long operational lifespan, with processed science data made publicly accessible after release.
NASA’s coverage schedule for these events (all times Eastern, subject to operational adjustments):
Saturday, August 29
9:00 a.m.: Roman Space Telescope Mission Science Briefing
Location: NASA Kennedy Press Site Auditorium
Participants: Shawn Domagal-Goldman, Julie McEnery, Vanessa Bailey, Kristen McQuinn, Lee Armus
Media may participate in person or via phone. Dial-in details available through NASA Kennedy newsroom (ksc-newsroom@mail.nasa.gov) one hour prior to the briefing.
10:30 a.m.: Prelaunch News Conference
Location: NASA Kennedy Press Site Auditorium
Participants: Nicky Fox, Lucas Paganini, Jackie Townsend, Denton Gibson, Julianna Scheiman, Justin McReynolds
In-person attendance limited; phone access available through the newsroom with prior notice.
11:45 a.m.: Administrator Flyby
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman is expected to fly past the launch complex in his jet, with live coverage integrated into the prelaunch news conference stream.
12:00 p.m.: Media Interviews
Location: NASA Kennedy Press News Center
Available participants include senior NASA officials, Roman team leads, and industrial partners. Previously credentialed media may schedule interviews by contacting the newsroom at ksc-newsroom@mail.nasa.gov.
Sunday, August 30
6:20 a.m.: Launch coverage initiation
7:26 a.m.: Launch event
9:30 a.m.: Postlaunch News Conference
Attendees: NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman, Nicky Fox, Jackie Townsend, Julie McEnery, Denton Gibson
In-person and phone participation available; dial-in details provided one hour in advance.
Audio Coverage Options
Live audio will stream via NASA “V” circuits (321-867-1220 or 321-867-1240). On launch day, mission audio without commentary will broadcast on 321-867-7135. Amateur radio enthusiasts can access coverage via VHF 146.940 MHz and UHF 444.925 MHz (FM mode) within Brevard County.
Digital Access
Real-time updates, livestream video, and photo documentation will be available on NASA’s official website, with on-demand content released post-liftoff. Follow mission developments through the Roman launch blog.
Virtual Participation
Registered members of the public may join the launch virtually via NASA’s Virtual Guest Program, which provides curated resources, schedule alerts, and a digital stamp upon completion.
Social Media Engagement
Connect with NASA and mission updates on X, Facebook, and Instagram using the designated mission hashtags and handles.
The Roman telescope is managed by NASA Goddard with collaboration from JPL, Caltech/IPAC, the Space Telescope Science Institute, and international partners including ESA, JAXA, CNES, and the Max Planck Institute. Industrial contributors include BAE Systems, L3Harris Technologies, and Teledyne Scientific & Imaging. NASA’s Launch Services Program at Kennedy oversees the launch service.
