NASA is preparing to launch its groundbreaking SPHEREx mission in February 2025, aiming to create a comprehensive three-dimensional map of the sky. The Spectro-Photometer for the History of the Universe, Epoch of Reionization, and Ices Explorer (SPHEREx) will take off aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from California’s Vandenberg Space Force Base. This compact satellite, approximately the size of a small car, will chart millions of stars and galaxies, offering unparalleled insights into the cosmos, including its earliest moments.
Key Scientific Goals of SPHEREx
Developed by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), the SPHEREx mission has three core objectives:
- Studying Cosmic Inflation:
The mission will analyze the distribution of hundreds of millions of galaxies to investigate the inflation phase that occurred a fraction of a second after the Big Bang. By mapping these galaxies, researchers aim to uncover the fundamental physics that governed the universe’s rapid expansion. - Detecting Distant Galaxies:
SPHEREx will examine the “collective glow” of distant galaxies, capturing light from previously undetected celestial bodies. This data will help scientists better understand the universe’s large-scale structure and energy distribution. - Probing the Milky Way:
The satellite will focus on our own Milky Way galaxy, searching for life-essential molecules such as carbon dioxide and water. These findings could reveal the role of these elements in the formation of planets and the potential for life elsewhere in the galaxy.
Mission Design and Longevity
The SPHEREx spacecraft, weighing 329 pounds, is expected to operate for two years, completing detailed sky maps twice annually. The satellite’s advanced technology will allow it to scan the entire sky in 96 different color bands, a first in space exploration.
Secondary Payload: PUNCH Mission
The Falcon 9 rocket will also carry NASA’s PUNCH mission as a secondary payload. This mission consists of four small satellites designed to study the sun’s corona and its evolution into the solar wind, providing valuable insights into solar activity.
Launch and Management
SpaceX secured the launch contract for SPHEREx in 2021. NASA’s Launch Services Program is overseeing the launch, while JPL manages the mission. The SPHEREx mission represents a significant leap forward in our understanding of the universe, offering transformative data on the cosmos and the essential building blocks of life.
Stay tuned for February 2025, when SPHEREx embarks on its journey to unravel the mysteries of the universe.
