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
SPHEREx Begins Integration with PUNCH
The SPHEREx Observatory has completed standalone operations in the West High Bay at Astrotech Space Operations Payload Processing Facility at Vandenberg Space Force Base. The observatory is ready to begin integrated operations with rideshare partner mission PUNCH and the SpaceX Falcon 9 vehicle, readying for launch in a few weeks. Photo taken at Astrotech Space Operations Facility, VSFB by BAE...
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Spacecraft Makers: SPHEREx and the Intense Tests That Prepared It for Space
Short for Spectro-Photometer for the History of the Universe, Epoch of Reionization and Ices Explorer, SPHEREx aims to capture millions of stars and galaxies in 102 colors, creating a unique 3D map to uncover clues about the universe’s origins.
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NASA Eyes Launching SPHEREx Sky-Mapping Mission in Early 2025
NASA and SpaceX are targeting late February 2025 for the launch of the agency’s next astrophysics observatory, SPHEREx. Short for Spectro-Photometer for the History of the Universe, Epoch of Reionization and Ices Explorer, SPHEREx will launch aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.
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Back in the Clean Room for Final Testing!
SPHEREx Observatory is back in the BAE cleanroom for final cleaning, testing and closeouts prior to shipment to the launch site.
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Why NASA’s SPHEREx Mission Will Make ‘Most Colorful’ Cosmic Map Ever
The space telescope will detect over 100 colors from hundreds of millions of stars and galaxies. Here’s what astronomers will do with all that color.
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