VANDENBERG SPACE FORCE BASE, Calif. - The National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) Spectro-Photometer for the History of the Universe, Epoch of Reionization and Ices Explorer (SPHEREx) has arrived at Vandenberg Space Force Base ahead of its scheduled launch in late February. The observatory, developed with contributions from BAE Systems in Broomfield, Colo., NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), and the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), will lift off aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket alongside NASA’s Polarimeter to Unify the Corona and Heliosphere (PUNCH) mission.
SPHEREx is designed to conduct the first all-sky spectral survey, using an advanced imager built by JPL and Caltech to capture near-infrared light. Across four planned surveys, the mission will produce three-dimensional maps of more than 450 million galaxies and millions of stars in the Milky Way. The data will provide insights into the formation of the universe immediately after the Big Bang, track the evolution of galaxies, and search for water and other molecules in regions where planets are forming.
"The development of SPHEREx represents a remarkable collaborative effort between BAE Systems, JPL, Caltech, and numerous other institutions that helped to make this groundbreaking mission a reality," said Brian Pramann, SPHEREx program manager for BAE Systems Space & Mission Systems. "After years of complex design, manufacturing, integration and testing efforts, our team can’t wait to see SPHEREx launch."
Related: BAE Systems completes testing for NASA's SPHEREx Observatory
Beyond its primary objectives, the observatory will help identify potential targets for future observations by telescopes such as the James Webb Space Telescope and support upcoming missions, including the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope.
BAE Systems was responsible for constructing the satellite bus, telescope, and protective cover, while JPL and Caltech developed other key components. Caltech’s Dr. Jamie Bock serves as the mission’s principal investigator.
Before delivery to the launch site, SPHEREx underwent extensive testing, including thermal vacuum simulations of space conditions, vibration and acoustic assessments to replicate launch stresses, and electromagnetic compatibility evaluations to ensure proper function in orbit. With testing complete, the spacecraft is being prepared for final integration and launch.
