NASA launches SPHEREx to explore universe origins
NASA has launched a new space telescope, SPHEREx, into orbit to complement the observations of the James Webb Telescope. It was launched from Vandenberg Base in California aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and has already begun its mission. New satellites accompany it.
NASA has initiated two new space missions aimed at studying the Sun and the origins of the universe. This includes positioning a new space telescope, SPHEREx, in orbit, which will provide panoramic views of the universe to augment the observations of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). The telescope was placed into orbit aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launched from Vandenberg Base in California. Alongside, the PUNCH satellites were also on board.
The SPHEREx telescope will collect data from over 450 million galaxies
The mission began on March 11th. The SPHEREx telescope, as explained by NASA, is tasked with exploring the origins of the universe, the history of galaxies, and the search for life's building blocks in our galaxy. Once fully operational, SPHEREx will scan the entire night sky four times using 102 separate infrared detectors. This will enable scientists to collect data from over 450 million galaxies during the planned two-year mission. The information gathered will help answer key cosmology questions, such as the formation and evolution of galaxies, the origin of water, and the creation of the universe.
Developed at a cost of $488 million, SPHEREx is designed to map the universe by observing optical and infrared light. The telescope will orbit the Earth about 15 times a day, completing 11,000 orbits during its mission. Using spectroscopy, SPHEREx will filter infrared light from distant clouds of gas and dust. The observatory will commence its two-year primary mission after a month-long check-out period, during which engineers and scientists will ensure the spacecraft functions correctly.
Scientists anticipate that this telescope will enable them to create an incredible image of the cosmos using the oldest light available. This will facilitate the study of galaxies at various stages of evolution, track ice in space, and understand the period shortly after the Big Bang.
The oldest light could help create a new image of the cosmos
To achieve its broad scientific goals, SPHEREx will create a three-dimensional map of the entire sky every six months, offering a broad perspective that complements the work of space telescopes observing smaller sections of the sky in greater detail. This includes, of course, the James Webb Space Telescope and the Hubble Telescope.
PUNCH satellites also made it to orbit to observe the Sun
In addition to SPHEREx, the rocket also launched another research instrument—four small satellites that comprise the PUNCH mission. Their objective is to study how the Sun's outer atmosphere, the corona, extends into the solar wind.
The PUNCH satellites are now entering a 90-day commissioning period, during which they will settle into the correct orbit and be calibrated to function as one "virtual instrument." Craig DeForest from NASA, the principal investigator of the PUNCH mission, noted that this mission will revolutionize space weather forecasting by enabling the three-dimensional tracking of space weather events for the first time.
The telescope and satellites will operate in low Earth orbit
Both instruments will operate in low Earth orbit, synchronized with the Sun's movement, which is crucial for SPHEREx to be shielded from the Sun's light and heat, and for PUNCH to maintain a clear view in all directions around the Sun. Both tools will utilize spectroscopy.
Spectroscopy can also reveal the composition of cosmic objects. SPHEREx will study our galaxy in search of hidden reservoirs of frozen water and other molecules, such as carbon dioxide, which are essential for life as we know it.
