NASA Launches SPHEREx Space Telescope to Map the Universe's Cosmic Glow
| Summary/Static | Details |
|---|---|
| Why in the news? | NASA's SPHEREx Space Telescope Launches to Map the Universe's Cosmic Glow |
| Launch Vehicle | SpaceX Falcon 9 |
| Launch Date | March 11, 2025 |
| Launch Site | Vandenberg Space Force Base, California |
| Mission Cost | $488 million |
| Orbit Altitude | 400 miles (650 km) |
| Mission Duration | 2 years (4 full-sky surveys) |
| Scientific Focus | Galaxy evolution, cosmic glow, universe expansion, interstellar ice |
| Technology Used | Infrared observations, 102-color spectrum analysis |
| Special Features | Thermal shielding, ultra-cold operation (-350°F / -210°C) |
| Comparison with Other Telescopes | Wide-field sky mapping (unlike Hubble/Webb's detailed images) |
| Additional Satellites Launched | PUNCH (4 satellites for solar studies) |
| Weight | 1,110 pounds (500 kg) |
| Primary Instrument | Infrared spectro-photometer |
| Design Elements | Three nested aluminum-honeycomb cones, 10-foot (3-meter) protective collar |