NASA's Roman Space Telescope Has Fuel for 22 Years, Double Earlier Estimate
NASA says the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope has enough fuel for at least 22 years of science operations, about twice the original estimate, after a precise launch and course correction.
The $4.3 billion observatory was originally designed to carry enough propellant in its four fuel tanks for a minimum lifetime of five years, plus a possible five-year mission extension. That was a conservative estimate. NASA officials knew an on-target launch and perfect execution of the spacecraft's first post-launch course correction maneuver would leave Roman with a hearty fuel reserve, but the resulting margin is larger than planned.
Jamie Dunn, center director at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, said in a press release that the outcome reflected the work of several teams. "As a result of exquisite planning by our orbital dynamics team, brilliant execution by the operations team, and a precise launch from SpaceX, Roman has fuel for at least 22 years of potential science operations," Dunn said.
The fuel load estimate means Roman, now gliding toward its observation post, has fuel for at least 22 years compared with an original plan that called for a minimum five-year lifetime and a possible five-year extension. NASA confirmed the estimate Monday, according to Ars Technica.