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Show notes
The new Nancy Grace Roman space telescope is slated to launch _this weekend_. It was originally built for the National Reconnaissance Office as a spy satellite, but was never launched. Instead, NRO gave it to NASA about 15 years ago. After some major modifications, it’s set to begin its five-year mission peering at new supernovas, distant galaxies and planets orbiting stars outside our solar system. It should help scientists get a better understanding of the mysterious force known as dark energy – which will tell us about the fate of the universe. **If you liked this episode, check out Regina’s reporting** [http://lnk.to/C0Cpam"target="\_blank"]( **demystifying the mysterious red dots** **spotted by the James Webb Space Telescope.** _Interested in more space news? Email us your question at_ [_shortwave@npr.org_](mailto:shortwave@npr.org)_._ _Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include sponsor-free listening. Learn more at_ [http://plus.npr.org"target="\_blank"]( _plus.npr.org_ _._ See [pcm.adswizz.com]( https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. [NPR">https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy">NPR](<a href=) Privacy Policy