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Animated image of the SPHEREx satellite.
The SPHEREx (Spectro-Photometer for the History of the Universe, Epoch of Reionization and Ices Explorer) is part of NASA's Explorer program. It will explore the beginning of the universe, the history of galaxy formation, and the role of interstellar ices during the birth of new stars and planets, while providing a unique all-sky data set for astronomy.
It will survey the entire sky four times in optical and infrared light, capturing detailed spectral information about hundreds of millions of stars and galaxies. The two-year mission is on track to launch in February 2025.