NASA is set to launch its latest space exploration mission, the SPHEREx space telescope, no earlier than February 27, 2025, from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California. Officially known as the Spectro-Photometer for the History of the Universe, Epoch of Reionization and Ices Explorer, SPHEREx aims to provide astronomers with unprecedented views of the cosmos, mapping the entire celestial sky like never before.
The mission's key objective is to shed light on the cosmic phenomenon called inflation, which occurred shortly after the Big Bang. This event caused the universe to expand tremendously, and by mapping over 450 million galaxies, SPHEREx will help scientists improve their grasp of the physics behind this colossal expansion. According to Shawn Domagal-Goldman, acting director of NASA’s Astrophysics Division, "Taking a snapshot with JWST is like taking a picture of a person. What SPHEREx can do is almost like going to panorama mode, capturing the big picture of large cosmic areas.
SPHEREx will take innovative approaches to detect light from galaxies across history, measuring collective glow rather than focusing on individual sources. This strategy aims to reveal the total light output from all galaxies, including those too faint or distant for traditional telescopes. By integrating this data with other observations, scientists hope to gain valuable insights about the universe's structure.
One of the highlights of the SPHEREx mission is its quest to find the building blocks of life, such as water and carbon dioxide, within our Milky Way galaxy. These molecules are believed to exist frozen within interstellar dust clouds, and this mission will provide information about their distribution and abundance. "We are literally mapping the entire celestial sky in 102 infrared colors for the first time, and we will see this every six months," Nicky Fox, associate administrator for NASA's Science Mission Directorate, stated.
SPHEREx distinguishes itself from other space telescopes like Hubble and the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) through its unique capabilities. While JWST can observe specific regions of the universe with high precision, SPHEREx is tasked with conducting the first all-sky infrared survey, providing comprehensive maps of cosmic occurrences.
To achieve its objectives, SPHEREx’s design incorporates advanced technology and innovation. The spacecraft’s infrared instruments must remain at around minus 350 degrees Fahrenheit to function optimally without interference from heat generated by their own systems. "If they are too warm, they will be blinded by their own warm glow," emphasized Beth Fabinsky, deputy project manager of SPHEREx at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
Utilizing three cone-shaped photon shields and a specially-designed sun-synchronous orbit, SPHEREx will maintain the necessary cold conditions to accurately detect faint cosmic signals. The spacecraft measures about 1,100 pounds and operates on less electricity than is typically required for basic appliances, making it remarkably efficient for such advanced technology.
The data collected by SPHEREx will not only bolster our existing knowledge about the universe but will complement findings from other missions, including JWST and the OSIRIS-REx, which are focused on organics and materials from space. “No single instrument or single mission can tell us the full story of the cosmos,” Domagal-Goldman noted, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between different space programs to achieve comprehensive insights.
With its innovative approach to space exploration, SPHEREx promises to be more than just another space telescope; it aims to reshape our scientific textbooks and transform our comprehension of cosmic phenomena. The excitement surrounding its launch builds as the scientific community anticipates new data and discoveries from this remarkable endeavor.