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Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope

The Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope blog is NASA's hub for the mission's launch updates, where all are invited for behind-the-scenes looks on Roman's road to launch and beyond. This flagship mission’s vast, deep surveys will help astronomers explore dark matter, dark energy, exoplanets, and almost anything from our own solar system to galaxies at the edge of the observable universe. Follow along to join in on the excitement!

NASA’s Roman Space Telescope: Falcon Heavy Side Boosters Begin Return

A rocket stage descends against a dark sky, trailing a wide plume of vapor. Several bright engine flames are visible at the bottom of the plume, creating small points of light as the booster returns through the atmosphere.
The side boosters of a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket are seen separating from the center core during the launch of NASA’S Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope from Launch Complex 39A, Sunday, Aug. 30, 2026, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
NASA/Joel Kowsky

The two side boosters on the SpaceX Falcon Heavy carrying NASA’s Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope have separated from the center core.

After shutting down their engines at about 2 minutes, 24 seconds after launch, the boosters separated seconds later and executed a flip maneuver to orient themselves for their return. Their boost back burns began shortly afterward and are expected to last just over one minute.

The SpaceX Falcon Heavy’s center core continues powering the second stage and Roman on its journey. Main engine cutoff is planned for T+3 minutes, 51 seconds, followed by stage separation and ignition of the second-stage Merlin Vacuum engine.

The side boosters are scheduled to land near the launch site at about T+7 minutes, 40 seconds, at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. Watch live on NASA+ and a variety of platforms.

Learn where to watch: www.nasa.gov/live.