Back to Missions

SPHEREx

NASA’s Spectro-Photometer for the History of the Universe, Epoch of Reionization and Ices Explorer (SPHEREx) is an all-sky spectral survey mission that maps galaxies and stars in near-infrared light to study cosmic origins and the ingredients for life.

SPHEREx
NASA/JPL-Caltech · JPL public-site imagery may be used without prior permission unless otherwise noted, with the image credit preserved and no claimed or implied endorsement by NASA, JPL, or Caltech. PIA26531 identifies no third-party owner. · Source
Follow this mission

Schedule, status, and mission updates. Time-based alerts will start when a time is available.

Identity

Aliases
Spectro-Photometer for the History of the Universe, Epoch of Reionization and Ices ExplorerSPHEREx Mission
Name
SPHEREx
Status
active

Details

Astronauts
-
Description
NASA’s Spectro-Photometer for the History of the Universe, Epoch of Reionization and Ices Explorer (SPHEREx) is an all-sky spectral survey mission that maps galaxies and stars in near-infrared light to study cosmic origins and the ingredients for life.
Destination
Polar, Sun-synchronous low Earth orbit at approximately 650 km altitude along the day-night terminator, with an approximately 98-minute period, for all-sky near-infrared spectral mapping of galaxies and stars
Launch Site
Outcome
SPHEREx launched with PUNCH on March 12, 2025 and began its planned two-year all-sky spectral survey.
Programs
Start Date
2025-03-12
Vehicle Families

Links

Assets & Meta

Creation Time
August 13, 2026 at 16:34:01 UTC
Updated Time
August 23, 2026 at 06:54:11 UTC

Other

Affiliations
Space Stations
-
Vehicles
SPHEREx - AeroVia