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.
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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 completed the first of its four planned all-sky infrared maps by late 2025. Its 102-wavelength survey has also mapped molecular clouds, including water ice and aromatic organic material in the Cygnus X star-forming region. A study published in April 2026 found that the densest ice coincides with dense dust, supporting the role of dust grains and shielding in the formation and survival of interstellar ice.
- Programs
- Start Date
- 2025-03-12
- Vehicle Families
Links
- Official Url
- https://science.nasa.gov/mission/spherex/
Assets & Meta
- Creation Time
- August 13, 2026 at 16:34:01 UTC
- Updated Time
- October 29, 2026 at 13:20:18 UTC
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Other
- Affiliations
- Space Stations
- -
- Vehicles