BROOMFIELD, Colo. - BAE Systems in Broomfield, Colo. has finalized environmental testing for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA’s) Spectro-Photometer for the History of the Universe, Epoch of Reionization, and Ices Explorer (SPHEREx) Observatory. The mission aims to conduct the first-ever all-sky spectral surveys, providing scientists with data to deepen understanding of the universe’s origins and the galaxies it contains.
"SPHEREx will allow us to look back into the early universe and provide new insights into how and why it came to be," said Alberto Conti, vice president and general manager of BAE Systems Space & Mission Systems.
During its two-year mission, SPHEREx will use an advanced imager to survey the sky in near-infrared light four times, producing detailed color maps of the universe and collecting data on over 450 million galaxies. The observatory will also study millions of stars within the Milky Way. These observations are expected to address fundamental questions about cosmic evolution, map the 3D distribution of galaxies to analyze the universe’s expansion since the Big Bang, track the faint light of ancient galaxies, and investigate how essential compounds like water contribute to planetary development.
In addition to its core objectives, SPHEREx will identify potential targets for follow-up studies by telescopes such as the James Webb Space Telescope and aid in preparing for future missions, including the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope.
BAE Systems was responsible for building the satellite bus, the telescope, and its cover. The California Institute of Technology (Caltech) and NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory developed other key instrument components, with Caltech’s Dr. Jamie Bock serving as the mission’s principal investigator.
The company also led the integration and environmental testing of the observatory, which included thermal vacuum tests simulating space conditions, vibration and acoustic tests mimicking launch stresses, and electromagnetic compatibility assessments to ensure the spacecraft can operate without electrical interference. With testing now complete, preparations for shipment and launch are underway.
SPHEREx is scheduled to launch no earlier than February 2025.
