The launch of the American space observatory SPHEREx, designed to investigate the origins of the universe and the moments following the Big Bang, has been postponed due to technical issues, according to NASA. Initially scheduled for March 4 and then March 9, the launch using a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket is now anticipated no earlier than March 11, Moscow time. SPHEREx aims to gather critical data on the inflationary phase of the universe, during which space expanded drastically in a fraction of a second. The observatory will map the universe by collecting data in optical and infrared light, utilizing a spectrophotometer to create a comprehensive infrared 3D map across 102 infrared bands, targeting a billion celestial objects. The mission is projected to last 2.5 years, with the $488 million satellite weighing approximately half a ton set to launch from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California at 19:09 PST on a Friday, equating to 06:09 Saturday in Moscow. The successful deployment of SPHEREx represents a significant advancement in cosmic research, enhancing our understanding of the universe’s early development.
