BAE Systems Finishes Environmental Testing for NASA's SPHEREx Observatory Mission

BAE Systems Completes Environmental Testing for NASA's SPHEREx Mission

BAE Systems has achieved a significant milestone by concluding environmental testing for NASA's latest groundbreaking initiative: the Spectro-Photometer for the History of the Universe, Epoch of Reionization and Ices Explorer, commonly referred to as SPHEREx. This pioneering mission is set to embark on an ambitious journey to perform unprecedented all-sky spectral surveys, providing scientists and researchers with valuable insights into the origins and evolution of the universe.

The SPHEREx observatory will utilize an advanced imaging system to conduct an extensive survey of the sky in near-infrared light, allowing for detailed observations. Over its expected two-year mission, the observatory aims to capture four complete surveys of the entire sky. This will result in the most detailed color maps of the cosmos ever created, encompassing data on more than 450 million galaxies and many of the stars within our own solar system.

By studying the data and findings that SPHEREx will deliver, scientists will be equipped to address profound questions regarding the cosmos. This includes mapping the three-dimensional distribution of galaxies, which can help illustrate the universe's expansion from the Big Bang, and exploring the faint glimmers of ancient galaxies that may offer clues about their formation and development over time. Furthermore, SPHEREx's mission includes searching for critical ingredients for life, such as water, which are essential to the creation of habitable planets.

Alberto Conti, vice president and general manager of BAE Systems Space Mission Systems, expressed enthusiasm for the mission, stating, "SPHEREx will allow us to look back into the early universe and provide new insights into how and why it came to be as it is. We're excited to help uncover these enduring mysteries and to continue our long-standing support of NASA's astrophysics missions."

Beyond its primary scientific objectives, SPHEREx will also aid in identifying celestial targets for further studies by other observatories, including the renowned James Webb Space Telescope, thus reinforcing its role as a pivotal tool for future astronomical explorations like the upcoming Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope.

BAE Systems has been instrumental in the design and execution of this mission, having developed the satellite bus along with the telescope and its cover. The other critical instruments were produced through a collaboration with Caltech and NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, with Dr. Jamie Bock from Caltech serving as the principal investigator.

To ensure the spacecraft's functionality and resilience, BAE Systems led the integration and environmental testing program, which was comprehensive and rigorous. This included various tests within a thermal vacuum chamber to simulate space conditions, vibration and acoustic tests to replicate launch scenarios, and checks for electromagnetic interference to safeguard against potential electrical disruptions.

With successful testing now complete, BAE Systems is entering the final stages of preparations for the SPHEREx mission, which is scheduled for launch no earlier than February 2025. As anticipation builds for this ambitious endeavor, the findings and advancements made possible by SPHEREx look set to enthrall the scientific community and beyond, ushering in a new era of cosmic discovery.

For more information about this mission, please reach out to Sawyer D'Argonne at BAE Systems via mobile at 303-250-6031 or email at [email protected].

Visit BAE Systems’ dedicated webpage for further updates regarding their involvement with NASA's astrophysical research.