Spectro-Photometer for the History of the Universe, Epoch of Reionization and Ices Explorer
NASA’s SPHEREx is a Medium-class Explorer mission, part of NASA’s Astrophysics Explorers Program, and is the first near-infrared all-sky spectral survey. The mission is enabling astronomers to fill spectral data gaps and learn more about our cosmic history, complementing other missions such as the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope and the James Webb Space Telescope.
Dr. James Bock of the California Institute of Technology (CalTech) is the principal investigator for SPHEREx, and NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) is the managing center.
SPHEREx is studying the cosmic origins of the universe, galaxies, and water in planetary systems. During its two-year mission, SPHEREx will survey the entire sky in optical and near-infrared light.
The data from SPHEREx’s survey will be used to study:
- The nature of physics that drove cosmic inflation in the early universe;
- The properties of interstellar ices, a key reservoir for water and biogenic material in the early phases of star and planet formation; and
- The cosmic history of galaxy formation.
By surveying hundreds of millions of galaxies and stars, SPHEREx will help astronomers understand how our universe evolved while studying the abundance of the ingredients for life in our Milky Way galaxy’s planetary systems.
What We're Doing
BAE Systems delivered the SPHEREx spacecraft bus, which is based on our customizable and reliable line of spacecraft. Our configurable spacecraft have consistently exceeded their estimated design lifetimes. Designed for flexible, cost-effective applications, our spacecraft ensure maximum capability and rapid delivery timelines. BAE Systems was also responsible for system integration and test, support for integration of the spacecraft onto a launch vehicle, and commissioning of the spacecraft after launch. SPHEREx successfully launched at Vandenbergy Space Force Base in California on March 11, 2025.
BAE Systems has an extensive heritage with NASA science and exploration missions. This strong history informs our technology development and enables us to provide science at any scale.