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May 21, 2020

Chairwoman Johnson Applauds Naming of WFIRST Space Telescope in Honor of Nancy Grace Roman

(Dallas, TX) – Yesterday, NASA announced the next-generation space telescope currently under development, the Wide Field Infrared Survey Telescope (WFIRST), will be named in honor of NASA’s first chief astronomer, Nancy Grace Roman. The Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope is set to launch in the mid-2020s, and is planned “to study dark energy, measure the history of cosmic acceleration, complete the exoplanet census begun by NASA's Kepler Space Telescope and demonstrate technology for direct imaging and characterization of exoplanets.”    

Chairwoman Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX) made the following statement.

“I was delighted to hear that yesterday NASA announced the Wide Field Infrared Survey Telescope (WFIRST), will be designated as the ‘Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope.’ As we celebrate the 101st anniversary of women’s suffrage, I am so proud that we are able to recognize Dr. Roman’s impact on our Nation’s history. It is only fitting that this telescope is named after a renowned astronomer, leader, and advocate for women, who spent her career getting us closer to the stars. As we continue to innovate and discover, we must remember those who revolutionized our understanding of the universe and continue to inspire us for generations to come.”