NASA is set to launch its advanced space telescope, SPHEREx, on March 2 aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from California. The mission aims to explore the origins of the universe and solve age-old mysteries.
SPHEREx will map the entire celestial sky in 102 infrared colors, illuminating not only our own Milky Way galaxy but another 450 million galaxies and stars. This survey will help astronomers understand the physics that governed the universe less than a second after its birth.
The telescope will also search for signs of water on distant planets and moons, which could potentially form oceans and support life. By detecting more than 100 colors in both optical and near-infrared light, SPHEREx will create an intricate three-dimensional celestial map of the Milky Way.
SPHEREx is managed by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and will share a ride with the PUNCH mission, which will observe the sun’s corona as it transitions into the solar wind. The telescope relies on a passive cooling system and has a unique design that protects it from heat and allows it to operate at extremely cold temperatures.
While SPHEREx is different from existing telescopes like Hubble and Webb, NASA believes it can complement their abilities by providing a wider view of the galaxy. Once launched, the mission will provide written updates on its blog and launch coverage on NASA+.
Source: https://eu.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2025/02/28/nasa-launch-spherex-telescope-origins-universe/80238314007