BAE Systems has announced the completion of environmental testing of the Spectro-Photometer for the History of the Universe, Epoch of Reionization and Ices Explorer (SPHEREx), NASA’s pioneering mission aimed at new discoveries about the origin of the universe and the formation of galaxies. For the first time, the mission will carry out spectral surveys of the entire sky, revealing crucial details about cosmic evolution.
Lasting at least two years, SPHEREx will use an advanced imaging system to map the entire length of the sky in near-infrared, repeating the process four times. The satellite will provide the most detailed color maps ever produced of the universe and will collect data on more than 450 million galaxies, as well as millions of stars in our solar system. The observations will serve to study the expansion of the universe since the Big Bang, understand how galaxies formed and how water and other elements essential to life influence the creation of planets.
“This mission will allow us to look into the distant past of the universe, bringing new perspectives on how it came to be and how it reached its current state,” commented Alberto Conti, vice president and general manager of BAE Systems Space & Mission Systems. “We are excited to contribute to this historic mission and to strengthen our ongoing support for NASA’s astrophysics missions.”
In addition to scientific research, SPHEREx will have the task of identifying interesting targets for more detailed observations by telescopes such as James Webb, as well as preparing the ground for future missions such as the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope.
BAE Systems was responsible for building the structure of the satellite and telescope, as well as developing the instrument’s cover. Other elements of the system were created by the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) and NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Dr. Jamie Bock, from Caltech, is the mission’s principal investigator.
The company also led the environmental and integration tests, which included simulations of temperature and conditions in space, vibration and acoustic tests to mimic launch conditions, as well as electromagnetic compatibility checks to ensure the satellite is protected against electrical failures. With the tests completed, BAE Systems is preparing for the dispatch and launch of the mission, scheduled to take place from February 2025.