KBR Collaborates with NASA on the Roman Space Telescope Mission

The Roman Space Telescope promises to expand on the legacies of the Hubble and James Webb telescopes, featuring a field of view approximately 100 times larger than that of Hubble. This capability will allow scientists to survey vast areas of space with remarkable speed and precision, enabling exploration of significant astrophysical questions, including the driving forces behind the universe's accelerating expansion and the formation and evolution of planetary systems.

Operations for the mission are being managed by KBR teams from NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, under the Ground Systems and Mission Operations-3 (GSMO-3) contract. KBR is responsible for operating the telescope, monitoring spacecraft health, and ensuring mission data reaches researchers utilizing Roman's observations.

KBR's involvement began long before the launch, contributing expertise through NASA's Mechanical Integrated Services and Technology II (MIST II) and the Omnibus Multidiscipline Engineering Services III (OMES III) contracts. KBR engineers and specialists were integral in developing and validating the ground systems needed to connect the telescope with mission controllers on Earth, creating operational procedures, testing mission scenarios, and preparing for both the launch and early orbit operations.

Brian Repp, KBR's GSMO-3 program manager, highlighted the company's wide-ranging capabilities in supporting space science. He noted the fulfilling nature of their work that contributes to a telescope poised to enhance scientific discovery for years to come.

As the telescope embarks on its 1-million-mile journey from Earth, KBR personnel continue to support mission operations, monitoring telemetry, assessing system performance, executing commands, and ensuring precise positioning for Roman’s scientific objectives.

Investigating dark energy is a primary mission goal, with Roman set to survey billions of galaxies over cosmic time to provide insights into the universe's evolution and future. Additionally, advanced observing techniques will enable the discovery of thousands of exoplanets, fostering a deeper understanding of how planetary systems form.

With its launch marking a pivotal moment for NASA's astrophysics program, the Roman Space Telescope’s scientific campaign is just beginning. The data it generates is expected to lead to groundbreaking discoveries about the universe in the coming years.

KBR’s ongoing support of the Roman mission exemplifies its commitment to advancements in space science and exploration. Nora Bozzolo, KBR's MIST II program manager, expressed pride in contributing to this mission, emphasizing its potential to broaden scientific knowledge and unveil new insights into the cosmos.