Rehearsing for the Big Moment
Earth Orbiting Missions Operation Center at NASA JPL, where engineers control and monitor the SPHEREx observatory after launch.
During payload testing, the SPHEREx team prepared for launch and post-launch operations. In October 2024, we conducted the first Operational Readiness Test (ORT), simulating nominal launch and post-launch events. Such tests validate the adequacy of our procedures and training for mission success.
Inside EOMOC during Operation Readiness Test
SPHEREx Instrument Team inside EOMOC during Operation Readiness Test. From top to bottom: Dr. Phil Korngut, Dr. Chi Nguyen, Dr. Howard Hui
Recent News
NASA Launches Missions to Study Sun, Universe’s Beginning
NASA’s newest astrophysics observatory, SPHEREx, is on its way to study the origins of our universe and the history of galaxies, and to search for the ingredients of life in our galaxy. Short for Spectro-Photometer for the History of the Universe, Epoch of Reionization and Ices Explorer, SPHEREx lifted off at 8:10 p.m. PDT on March 11 aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Space Launch Complex 4...
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Cosmic Mapmaker: NASA’s SPHEREx Space Telescope Ready to Launch
NASA’s latest space observatory is targeting a March 8 liftoff, and the agency’s PUNCH heliophysics mission is sharing a ride. Here’s what to expect during launch and beyond.
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NASA, SpaceX Update Launch Date for SPHEREx and PUNCH Missions
NASA and SpaceX now are targeting no earlier than Saturday, March 8, for the launch of the agency’s SPHEREx and PUNCH missions. The additional time will allow SpaceX to complete rocket preparations ahead of liftoff.
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NASA, SpaceX Update Launch Date for SPHEREx, PUNCH Missions
NASA and SpaceX now are targeting no earlier than Friday, March 7, for the launch of the agency’s SPHEREx and PUNCH missions due to the availability of a launch opportunity on the Western range.
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NASA, SpaceX Update Launch Date for SPHEREx, PUNCH Missions
NASA and SpaceX now are targeting no earlier than Thursday, March 6, for the launch of the agency’s SPHEREx and PUNCH missions. The additional time will allow teams to complete vehicle processing and prelaunch checkouts.
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