# NASA's Roman Telescope Revolutionizes Space Technology New technology prepares to image Earth-like planets in space. - **Source:** [Science Latest](https://brifing.si/source/ebc20f22-8d1a-4ae4-ba4c-efcd0853ba19) - **Published:** 2026-08-29 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/2c076757-0578-43a9-a26d-a3eb83500267 ## The Mission of the Roman Telescope NASA's Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope is set to test a technology that could change how we understand the universe. The telescope includes a coronagraph designed to block starlight and directly image planets. This technology could pave the way for discovering Earth-like planets in the future. ## The Importance of the Coronagraph A coronagraph is a device that blocks the light of a bright star to reveal fainter objects. Similar devices are found in the Hubble and James Webb telescopes, but Roman's coronagraph is far more advanced thanks to adaptive optics. This technology shapes telescope mirrors to eliminate light distortions. ## Adaptive Optics Technology The success of the Roman Telescope relies on two palm-sized mirrors. Each mirror is equipped with approximately 2,300 tiny actuators that reshape the mirror with electricity to reverse distortions. This marks NASA's first use of active deformable mirrors in space. ## A Challenging Task Roman's coronagraph faces a challenge akin to photographing a firefly next to a floodlight from across the country. Even the smallest bit of starlight can ruin the image. Therefore, the system requires super-sensitive detectors and intricate star masks to succeed. ## The Testing Process Engineers will evaluate the coronagraph's performance in space by attempting to image a few known exoplanets. If the planets are not visible, it will indicate a problem with the device. Additionally, stars surrounded by dust clouds will also be targeted for observation. ## Future Projects Roman's coronagraph will lay the groundwork for future telescopes. NASA aims to develop a coronagraph 100 times more effective for the Habitable Worlds Observatory, planned for launch in the 2040s. This technology could play a crucial role in the search for extraterrestrial life. ## Scientific Contributions The Roman Telescope is not limited to planet discovery. Coronagraph technology could also image binary stars and objects near bright quasars. This could provide astronomers with new insights into the structure of the universe. ## A New Era in Space Exploration The Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope could mark a turning point in space technology. Adaptive optics and coronagraph technologies are setting the stage for future discoveries. This project represents a significant step in humanity's journey to understand the cosmos. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.wired.com/story/nasas-nancy-grace-roman-space-telescope-coronagraph-leap/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._