Shielding the Stars: NASA's Roman Telescope's Sun Protection

The Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope is getting a crucial upgrade. Engineers at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center have attached two large sunshields to the telescope. These shields are like a giant sunblock for the telescope's sensitive instruments. They protect the instruments from the sun's heat and light. This protection is vital for detecting faint signals from space. The telescope is set to launch by May 2027, possibly even by fall 2026. But there's a catch. Recent federal budget proposals threaten to cut NASA's funding. These cuts could delay or even cancel the mission. Scientists and engineers are worried. They've spent decades planning and investing in this project. The telescope aims to solve big cosmic mysteries, like dark energy and exoplanets. Despite the budget uncertainty, work on the telescope continues as planned. The newly installed panels are part of the Lower Instrument Sun Shade. They join other protective barriers, like the Solar Array Sun Shield and Deployable Aperture Cover. These shields keep the telescope's instruments cool and stable. They allow the telescope to peer deep into the infrared universe. Each panel is about 7 by 7 feet and 3 inches thick. They are made of thin aluminum sheets with a honeycomb structure in the middle. This design makes them lightweight yet strong. The panels can handle extreme temperatures. The sun-facing side can reach up to 216°F (102°C), while the shaded side can drop to –211°F (–135°C). Special polymer blankets help regulate the temperature. The telescope will undergo rigorous testing. This includes a 70-day thermal vacuum test. The test simulates the harsh conditions of space. After testing, the sunshade will be removed briefly. This allows engineers to join the telescope's inner and outer assemblies. Once reattached, the telescope will be nearly ready for launch.