SPHEREx Submitted as a NASA Medium-Class Explorer
An enhanced version of SPHEREx was submitted as a NASA Medium-Class Explorer (MIDEX), with Step-1 selections expected in July 2017. If approved, the augmentations will make SPHEREx a significantly more powerful survey telescope for the astronomical community as a MIDEX.
Recent News
Rehearsing for the big moment
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.
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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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SPHEREx Successfully Passes Vibe Test
SPHEREx observatory continues its thorough testing campaign and successfully passed its vibe test at BAE Systems in Boulder, CO.
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