NASA has launched two exciting space missions together—SPHEREx and PUNCH—on a single SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. These missions aim to answer some of the biggest questions about our universe and the Sun. From studying how the universe began to exploring the solar wind that affects Earth, these projects are set to uncover many mysteries of space.
What is SPHEREx?
SPHEREx stands for Spectro-Photometer for the History of the Universe, Epoch of Reionization, and Ices Explorer. It is a new space observatory sent by NASA to explore the origins of the universe, how galaxies formed, and where the ingredients of life are located in our galaxy.
SPHEREx launched on March 11 from California. It will study the whole sky every six months and create a 3D map of the universe. Scientists will use a method called spectroscopy to learn about light coming from stars and galaxies. This light reveals the distance and composition of these cosmic objects.
What Will SPHEREx Do?
SPHEREx will look at about 450 million galaxies using spectroscopy. It will also study the light from early galaxies to learn about a moment in time called inflation, which happened just after the Big Bang. This moment caused the universe to expand very quickly.
SPHEREx will also explore our Milky Way galaxy to search for water ice and molecules like carbon dioxide, which are important for life. These molecules can be hidden in dust clouds, and SPHEREx can detect them using infrared light.
What is PUNCH?
Along with SPHEREx, NASA also launched PUNCH, which stands for Polarimeter to Unify the Corona and Heliosphere. It consists of four small satellites that will study the Sun’s outer layer, called the corona, and how it becomes the solar wind. The solar wind is a stream of charged particles that flow from the Sun into space.
PUNCH will help scientists understand space weather. Space weather can affect satellites, astronauts, and even power systems on Earth. By studying the Sun more closely, PUNCH will give better warnings and help protect technology and people.
How Do SPHEREx and PUNCH Work Together?
Both missions share the same type of orbit around Earth, which helps them stay in the right position to study space. SPHEREx needs to stay cool and avoid sunlight to take clear pictures, while PUNCH needs a clear view around the Sun. Their shared orbit is called Sun-synchronous, which keeps the Sun at the same angle during the missions.
NASA launched both missions together to save time and money, and to make the most of the rocket. Scientists hope to get a better understanding of both the farthest parts of space and the Sun at the same time.
Who is Behind These Missions?
NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) manages SPHEREx. The telescope and spacecraft were built by BAE Systems. Scientists from the USA, South Korea, and Taiwan will analyze the data, and it will be made available for everyone to explore.
PUNCH is led by the Southwest Research Institute in Texas, with help from the Naval Research Laboratory and NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center. They are responsible for operating the satellites and handling the information gathered from space.
SPHEREx and PUNCH are two missions with big goals—one looking far into the universe’s past and the other studying our nearest star, the Sun. Together, they will help answer questions like “How did the universe begin?” and “How does the Sun affect life on Earth?” With the latest technology and global teamwork, NASA is set to bring us new knowledge about our place in the cosmos.
