What is the status of the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope?

Assembly is complete, and the telescope is undergoing final testing before its scheduled launch next fall.

Will NASA's astrophysics budget be cut?

Proposed deep cuts were largely rejected by Congress, and NASA is operating under higher funding levels than initially proposed.

What is the purpose of the Swift Observatory reboost mission?

The mission aims to raise the Swift Observatory's orbit to prevent uncontrolled reentry and extend its operational life for scientific observation.

Home / Science / NASA Astrophysics: Bright Future Ahead Despite Budget Woes

NASA Astrophysics: Bright Future Ahead Despite Budget Woes

12 Dec, 2025

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Summary

Upcoming missions like Roman Telescope and Pandora are advancing.
NASA aims to accelerate development of new Small Explorer missions.
Swift Observatory reboost mission planned for mid-2026 to extend its life.

NASA Astrophysics: Bright Future Ahead Despite Budget Woes

NASA's astrophysics division head, Shawn Domagal-Goldman, presented an optimistic outlook on upcoming missions, contrasting sharply with earlier budget concerns. Several small satellite and balloon missions, including Pandora and PUEO, are set to launch soon, utilizing the Pioneer program for cost-capped astrophysics projects.

The Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope has completed assembly and is undergoing final testing, with a scheduled launch next fall on a Falcon Heavy. NASA also plans to expedite the development of its next astrophysics Small Explorer mission, aligning with administration goals to accelerate project timelines and push for faster innovation.

Furthermore, NASA is preparing to select a concept for its first probe-class mission and is actively planning a reboost for the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory in mid-2026 to prevent uncontrolled reentry. This mission highlights advancements in on-orbit servicing capabilities, with potential future applications for the Hubble Space Telescope.