With its launch on August 30, 2026, a groundbreaking scientific mission to explore the universe will begin, with high-precision sensors from Jena playing a crucial role in navigation.

Developed by NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) with support from the European Space Agency (ESA), this infrared telescope is designed to provide deeper insights into the structure of the universe and the diversity of planetary systems. The Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope will feature a field of view at least 100 times larger than that of the Hubble Space Telescope. It is named in honor of NASA space pioneer Nancy Grace Roman, who played a pivotal role in the planning of the Hubble mission.

With an expected duration of at least five years, the mission will focus on mapping the distribution of galaxies and exploring the outer reaches of distant planetary systems.

To ensure the successful execution of this mission, high-precision navigation is essential. Jena-Optronik supports the space telescope by providing three ASTRO APS star sensors alongside the respective testing system. These were delivered directly to NASA as part of a contract signed with the ESA.

The star sensors enable high-precision orientation by determining position in space through continuous comparison with an integrated star catalog. To ensure optimal performance, the testing system - comprising three Optical Star Pattern Stimulators (OSPS), an Optical Sky Stimulator (OSI), and an ASTRO APS Unit Tester (UT) - verifies the sensors' capabilities under realistically simulated space conditions prior to launch.

Through these advancements, Jena-Optronik’s technology provides the precision and reliability essential for the telescope to operate effectively under the extreme conditions of deep space.

Picture "Roman's field of view compared to that of Hubble" © L. Hustak (STScI) 

Pictures and videos

“Hubble vs Roman Space Telescope Image Size Comparisons”

“Roman's field of view compared to that of Hubble”

Further information

NASA: “Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope”

ESA: “Roman factsheet”