NASA has launched its SPECTROPHOTOMETER FOR THE HISTORY OF THE UNIVERSE, EPOCH OF REIONIZATION AND ICES EXPLORER (SPHEREx) satellite, a cutting-edge infrared observatory designed to uncover answers to fundamental questions about the universe and life. Launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, SPHEREx is set to embark on a two-year science mission surveying the sky in 102 colors invisible to humans.
The $488 million mission aims to address three key questions: How did the universe begin? How did galaxies form? What are the conditions for life beyond our solar system? Once engineers verify its readiness, SPHEREx will start collecting data on asteroids, star-forming clouds, and distant galaxies. The satellite’s infrared detectors will produce a massive three-dimensional map of the night sky, providing a wealth of information to scientists.
According to Phil Korngut, mission instrument scientist at Caltech, SPHEREx will utilize a novel technique called linear variable filter spectroscopy to produce 102 maps in 102 wavelengths every six months. The satellite’s baseline mission is to repeat this process four times over the course of two years.
Source: https://arstechnica.com/science/2025/03/no-thats-not-a-cosmic-cone-of-shame-its-nasas-newest-space-telescope