On March 12, the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket successfully launched the SPHEREx space observatory into a sun-synchronous orbit at an altitude of 650 km from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The mission, led by NASA, is designed to investigate the early moments of the universe, specifically the inflationary period following the Big Bang, when space expanded exponentially. SPHEREx will employ advanced optical and infrared light technologies, equipped with a spectrophotometer that can detect infrared wavelengths challenging to observe from Earth. Over a 2.5-year mission, the observatory will generate the first comprehensive infrared 3D map of the universe, collecting data on approximately one billion celestial objects across 102 infrared bands. With a mass of around 500 kg and a project budget of $488 million, the SPHEREx mission is set to significantly enhance our understanding of cosmic origins and the evolution of the universe, positioning itself as a critical tool for astrophysical research.
