GESTA & IFPTE on Roman’s Launch

On the occasion of the successful launch of the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope on August 30th, GESTA and IFPTE leadership took the opportunity to congratulate the NASA workforce on this extraordinary achievement.

GESTA President Tryshanda Moton commented that: “The launch of the Roman Space Telescope towards orbit marks a milestone for NASA’s workforce and represents nearly two decades of dedication by NASA scientists, engineers, technicians, mission planners, and support professionals. That the Roman Space Telescope is launching eight months ahead of schedule and under budget is a testament to the NASA workforce’s perseverance. It’s a proud moment for the NASA workforce that will deliver exciting discoveries that shape our view of the universe once it is fully operational next year. The past 18 months have tested the NASA workforce like no other. Through unplanned departure of skilled colleagues, the agency-wide collapse of morale under a cloud of fear and uncertainty, absurd threats to cut NASA Science funding in half, the unjustifiable termination of NASA employees legal union rights, and the undervaluing of the workforce, NASA employees have overcome challenges, made sacrifices to get the job done, and shown time and again our passion, resolve, and professionalism to achieving the NASA mission. The NASA workforce has more milestones ahead for Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, and for projects across all NASA Directorates.”  

IFPTE President Matt Biggs stated that: “IFPTE congratulates all the hardworking and brilliant NASA employees, past and present, and the thousands of IFPTE members who have had leading and supporting roles in building the space observatory, designing and managing the mission, prepping and launching the observatory payload, and coordinating with partners in industry, academia, and other agencies to reach this milestone…The Roman Space Telescope is a marquee example of how our nation’s commitment to funding world-leading space science missions and sustaining NASA’s talented, dedicated, and creative civil service workforce can unlock innovation, advance new technologies, and inspire our fellow Americans and all humankind.”

Since launch we have been further inspired by the first-light milestone for Roman’s coronograph instrument and by the continued excellence and dedication of the Roman Goddard team!