NASA constructed the Roman Space Telescope to investigate dark matter, but it can also assist in safeguarding Earth from harmful asteroids.

      The Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope was not originally designed for asteroid detection, but it has proven highly effective for this purpose.

      NASA is preparing to launch a telescope intended to unlock some of the universe's greatest mysteries, and unexpectedly, this design could also aid in protecting Earth.

      Scheduled for launch from Kennedy Space Center on August 30, 2026, the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope's primary mission involves the study of dark matter and dark energy—these unseen forces that influence galaxies and the expansion of the cosmos. However, researchers have now found that its unique design makes it surprisingly proficient at identifying hazardous asteroids that may approach Earth (according to MIT Technology Review).

      An artistic depiction of the asteroid Psyche, situated in the main asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. NASA/JPL-Caltech/ASU

      What features of the Roman Telescope enable it to detect potentially dangerous asteroids?

      The Roman Telescope is equipped with a super wide-angle, 300-megapixel infrared camera, which allows it to survey a section of the sky approximately 100 times larger than what can be observed by the Hubble Space Telescope in a single view. This extensive field of view, designed for surveying galaxies and distant stars, is equally effective for scanning vast regions of space for asteroids simultaneously.

      This image shows millions of simulated galaxies scattered across space and time and highlights the areas captured by Hubble (in white) and Roman (in yellow) in one snapshot. Mapping the entire region depicted would take Hubble around 85 years to achieve at the same depth, whereas the Roman telescope could complete it in just 63 days. Roman’s broader perspective and rapid survey capabilities will reveal the evolving universe in unprecedented ways. NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center and A. Yung

      Scientists estimate that the Roman Telescope could detect asteroids as small as 60 feet in diameter, a size similar to the asteroid that exploded over Chelyabinsk, Russia, in 2013, releasing energy equivalent to 500,000 tons of TNT. Some software modifications are still required since Roman's system currently filters out image streaks that might actually be asteroids.

      The Roman Telescope will contribute to Earth's defense efforts.

      NASA

      The Roman Telescope will not lead the efforts in asteroid detection alone. NASA's dedicated Near-Earth Object Surveyor, launching in 2027, will take the lead in detection. Roman will assist it, alongside the James Webb Space Telescope and the Vera Rubin Observatory. When other telescopes identify potentially risky asteroids with uncertain trajectories, Roman's extensive field of view can quickly help clarify their paths, enabling scientists to prioritize which asteroids require closer examination.

      The timing is notable as well; Roman faced funding threats last year, and researchers believe demonstrating its value in planetary defense could help secure its future with lawmakers. With more than half of the largest near-Earth asteroids still undiscovered, Roman's unexpected secondary role might be just as crucial as its primary mission.

      Manisha Priyadarshini is a technology and entertainment writer with over nine years of editorial experience.

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