NASA's SPHEREx space observatory, designed to study the history of the universe and search for the building blocks of life, has completed environmental testing and is ready for launch. The telescope will survey the entire sky in near-infrared light, gathering data on millions of galaxies and stars. Launch is scheduled for no earlier than February 27th aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.
NASA ’s SPHEREx space observatory was photographed at BAE Systems in Boulder, Colorado, in November 2024 after completing environmental testing. The spacecraft’s three concentric cones help direct heat and light away from the telescope and other components, keeping them cool. NASA will host a news conference at 12 p.m. EST Friday, Jan. 31, to discuss a new telescope that will improve our understanding of how the universe evolved and search for key ingredients for life in our galaxy.
Laurie Leshin, director, NASA JPL, will provide opening remarks. Additional briefing participants include:James Fanson, project manager, SPHEREx, NASA JPLCesar Marin, SPHEREx integration engineer, Launch Services Program, NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida The space observatory will share its ride on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with NASA’s PUNCH mission, which will lift off from Launch Complex 4E at Vandenberg Space Force Base in Central California.
NASA Spherex Telescope Universe Galaxies Stars Life Launch
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