Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope Solar Panel Deployment Test | NASA Goddard

Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope Solar Panel Deployment Test | NASA Goddard

Technicians recently tested two major deployments for NASA’s Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope: the Deployable Aperture Cover (DAC) and the Solar Array Sun Shield (SASS). 

The DAC will protect Roman’s instruments before launch, then swing open once the telescope is in space. To simulate weightlessness, engineers used a gravity offload system precisely counterbalanced to reduce drag during deployment. 

The SASS unfurled in true flight-like fashion, with its solar panels swinging into place under powerful spring tension. Each release was marked by the sharp pop of a non-explosive actuator. 

Both deployments were successful, bringing Roman one step closer to its mission to study dark energy, exoplanets, and the distant universe. To learn more, check out the link in our Roman highlight.

To learn more about all these systems and where they fit into Roman, visit:  
https://roman.gsfc.nasa.gov/interactive/

As NASA’s first Chief of Astronomy, the late Dr. Nancy Grace Roman paved the way for space telescopes and for women in the sciences. She is credited with making NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope a reality. 

Credit: NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center 
Sophia Roberts: Videographer / Producer
Scott Weissinger: Videographer / Producer
Videographers: Sophia Roberts (eMITS) and Scott Wiessinger (eMITS)
Paul Morris: Editor
Public Affairs Officer: Claire Andreoli (NASA/GSFC)

Duration: 1 minute, 18 seconds
Release Date: Aug. 26, 2025

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