SPHEREx: Unveiling the Origins of the Universe
Excitement is building as we await the launch of SPHEREx (Spectro-Photometer for the History of the Universe, Epoch of Reionization, and Ices Explorer) on February 28, 2025. This groundbreaking NASA mission will map the sky in infrared light, unlocking new insights into the origins of galaxies and the cosmic history of water.
What Makes SPHEREx Special?
- It will survey the entire sky every six months in 96 different color bands, providing an unprecedented map of the universe.
- By analyzing the cosmic infrared background, it aims to trace the distribution of water ice and organic molecules—key ingredients for life.
- The mission will also help scientists understand the mysterious process of cosmic inflation, which shaped the early universe.
Launch Details
NASA and SpaceX are now targeting no earlier than 10:09 p.m. EST (7:09 p.m. PST) on Friday, Feb. 28 for liftoff. The mission will launch aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. If all goes as planned, this small but powerful space telescope will deliver groundbreaking data over its two-year mission.