#United States #NASA #SPHEREx #BAE Systems #Broomfield, Colorado

NASA's SPHEREx Observatory Successfully Launched

On March 12, 2025, NASA's Spectro-Photometer for the History of the Universe, Epoch of Reionization and Ices Explorer (SPHEREx) Observatory took flight from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. This historic launch was made possible by the collaboration with BAE Systems, which constructed the spacecraft bus and telescope, as well as managed observatory integration and environmental testing for the mission.

The SPHEREx Observatory is set to embark on a minimum two-year mission, during which it will execute four comprehensive all-sky spectral surveys. It aims to observe the distribution of over 450 million unique galaxies and produce a detailed 3D map of the universe in 102 infrared colors. Such groundbreaking research is expected to shed light on pivotal astronomical queries: How did cosmic inflation in the early moments following the Big Bang sculpt the universe as we see it today? What stories do the luminous light from distant galaxies reveal about their formation? Furthermore, how prevalent are life-sustaining elements such as water, carbon dioxide, and ammonia in the formation of planets?

Bonnie Patterson, deputy vice president and general manager of Civil Space for BAE Systems Space Mission Systems, expressed her excitement about the launch, calling it a remarkable achievement. “This observatory will help us look back in time to answer significant questions about how the universe formed and the phenomena that continue to evolve it today,” she said. “We are proud to be part of the team that made this mission possible.”

In addition to its primary objectives, SPHEREx will also serve as a guide for subsequent observations by the James Webb Space Telescope and other astronomical observatories. BAE Systems has played a crucial role not only in the launch itself but also in ongoing support for spacecraft commissioning in the months to come. The mission is managed by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in collaboration with the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), where Dr. Jamie Bock is the principal investigator.

This latest accomplishment continues BAE Systems' long-standing involvement with NASA's astrophysics initiatives, building upon previous contributions to iconic missions such as the Hubble Space Telescope, Chandra X-Ray Observatory, James Webb Space Telescope, and the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope. The company is also actively developing advanced technologies for NASA's prospective Habitable Worlds Observatory.

In summary, the successful launch of the SPHEREx Observatory not only represents a significant technological achievement but also opens a new chapter in our quest to unravel the mysteries of the cosmos. With the valuable data that SPHEREx is expected to collect, astronomers and scientists are poised to answer some of humanity's most profound questions about the universe and our place within it. The future of space exploration looks brighter than ever with SPHEREx leading the charge for the scientific community.

For more information, journalists and interested parties can contact Scott Miller from BAE Systems at 303-250-6031 or via email at scr.miller@baesystems.com. More details can also be found on the BAE Systems official website.