NASA is launching its new space mission, Spectro-Photometer for the History of the Universe, Epoch of Reionization and Ices Explorer (SPHEREx), in hopes of uncovering the secrets behind cosmic inflation.
Cosmic inflation refers to a period of rapid expansion in the universe’s early stages, which some scientists consider the most mysterious event in the history of the cosmos. This phenomenon is believed to have occurred about 13.8 billion years ago and played a significant role in shaping our modern universe.
The SPHEREx spacecraft aims to create four three-dimensional maps of galaxy distributions throughout the entire sky, allowing scientists to search for evidence of inflation particles that may still be present today. These maps will help researchers determine whether a single energy field or multiple fields were responsible for the rapid expansion.
While some scientists question the likelihood of cosmic inflation occurring under improbable circumstances, it is widely accepted as the best explanation for various phenomena observed in our universe. The SPHEREx mission will provide significant insights into this phenomenon and potentially shed light on what triggered it.
The spacecraft will also study the formation of early galaxies and how icy cosmic dust ends up on planets, contributing to our understanding of the origins of life. With its unique mission objectives, SPHEREx is poised to revolutionize our knowledge of the universe’s earliest moments.
By orbiting Earth and operating in infrared wavelengths, SPHEREx will be able to detect subtle signals from inflation particles that may have been masked by noise on the ground. The spacecraft’s advanced technology, including concentric cone-shaped aluminum shields, will keep it cool during its mission, allowing for precise data collection.
Source: https://phys.org/news/2025-03-jpl-space-mission-unravel-mystery.html