NASA’s groundbreaking new mission is set to map the sky with unprecedented detail and vibrant color. The construction of SPHEREx, a space-based observatory, has commenced with the goal of mapping over 450 million galaxies and 100 million stars using 96 color bands in the infrared range. Over the course of its planned two-year lifespan, SPHEREx will produce two sky maps annually, according to NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
The telescope is being assembled by scientists at JPL, who are integrating its various components into its final form. Due to its ambitious objectives, SPHEREx’s name reflects its three scientific missions: Specto-Photometer for the History of the Universe, Epoch of Reionization, and Ices Explorer.
The observatory will investigate the existence of water and other essential molecules in disks around forming stars, search for the origins of star and galaxy formation, and explore the concept of inflation in the early universe. It will utilize specialized filters to block specific wavelengths from reaching the telescope in order to capture detailed maps using spectroscopy.
Protective cone-shaped shields are incorporated to safeguard SPHEREx from infrared radiation, allowing it to observe the faint and distant infrared universe. This innovative design ensures that the telescope is shielded from heat, and the complexity of SPHEREx allows it to function at incredibly cold temperatures.
Beth Fabinsky, the Deputy Project Manager of SPHEREx, proudly emphasizes that these unique cone-shaped shields are not just a functional addition, but instead, they are the “cones of fame.” These cones serve the vital purpose of protecting the telescope from thermal interference, ensuring its successful observations. SPHEREx is scheduled for launch on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, set to take place no earlier than June 2024.
