NASA eyes launching SPHEREx sky-mapping mission in early 2025
by Calla Cofield, NASA
NASA and SpaceX are targeting late February 2025 for the launch of the agency's next astrophysics observatory, SPHEREx. Short for Spectro-Photometer for the History of the Universe, Epoch of Reionization and Ices Explorer, SPHEREx will launch aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.
The Mission's Objectives
SPHEREx aims to achieve three primary science goals:
- Understanding Cosmic Inflation: This phenomenon refers to a brief and rapid expansion of the universe just after the Big Bang. SPHEREx will analyze the distribution of galaxies to enhance our understanding of what caused this inflationary period.
- Mapping the Galactic Glow: The satellite will measure the collective light emitted by different galaxies, including those that are too faint to be observed individually. This data will illuminate an array of cosmic sources.
- Search for Life's Building Blocks: SPHEREx will investigate our Milky Way galaxy for icy granules that contain water, carbon dioxide, and other essential elements necessary for life.
The Technical Specifications
Approximately the size of a subcompact car, SPHEREx will orbit Earth in a polar orbit, scanning the entire sky. The observatory is designed to collect light at wavelengths ranging from the ultraviolet to the near-infrared spectrum.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Launch Vehicle | SpaceX Falcon 9 |
| Orbit Type | Polar Orbit |
| Total Wavelengths | 102 (varying colors) |
| Data Collection Type | 3D Mapping of the Sky |
| Primary Instrument | Spectro-Photometer |
Secondary Payload
Alongside SPHEREx, NASA's PUNCH mission will also be launched. PUNCH (Polarimeter to Unify the Corona and Heliosphere) consists of four small satellites aimed to observe the sun's corona and the interactions within the solar system. This collaboration represents a significant effort to understand solar phenomena and their influence on space weather.
Scientific Significance
SPHEREx is significant not just for the scientific community but also for expanding our understanding of the universe. The data generated will be made publicly available and could offer insights into numerous cosmic mysteries and future astronomical research.
“With SPHEREx, we are not just looking to answer a few questions; we are embarking on a journey to understand the very fabric of the cosmos." – Dr. Sara Mitchell, Principal Investigator, SPHEREx
Future Implications
The implications of SPHEREx's findings could shape research in astrophysics, planetary science, and even astrobiology for years to come. As scientists move closer to understanding the formation of galaxies, stars, and planets, they also gain insights into the potential for life elsewhere in the universe.
For More Information
To learn more about SPHEREx and other NASA missions, please visit the following links:
For further news and updates about cosmic discoveries, keep an eye on our regularly updated sections.
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