Broomfield, Colo., Jan 18: BAE Systems has successfully delivered NASA's groundbreaking SPHEREx Observatory to Vandenberg Space Force Base, gearing up for its imminent launch.

Key Points
1. NASA mission aims to map 450 million galaxies
2. Advanced imaging technology reveals universe's early formation
3. Spacecraft built to explore cosmic evolution and planet formation

Successful Delivery to Vandenberg Space Force Base

BAE Systems (LON: BA) proudly announces the delivery of NASA's Spectro-Photometer for the History of the Universe, Epoch of Reionization and Ices Explorer (SPHEREx) Observatory. The spacecraft has arrived at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, where it is set to launch in late February alongside NASA's Polarimeter to Unify the Corona and Heliosphere (PUNCH) mission aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.

A Mission of Discovery

The SPHEREx mission promises to be a transformative endeavor, embarking on a minimum two-year journey to conduct the first all-sky spectral surveys. This initiative will gather critical data to address fundamental questions regarding our universe.

With its advanced imaging technology, SPHEREx will create detailed 3D maps of over 450 million galaxies and millions of stars within the Milky Way. This unprecedented data collection aims to provide insights into the universe's formation following the Big Bang and the evolution of galaxies over time. Additionally, it will search for water and other vital molecules in regions where planets are forming.

Collaborative Effort for Groundbreaking Science

"The development of SPHEREx represents a remarkable collaborative effort between BAE Systems, JPL, Caltech, and numerous other institutions that helped to make this groundbreaking mission a reality," stated Brian Pramann, SPHEREx program manager for BAE Systems Space & Mission Systems. "After years of complex design, manufacturing, integration, and testing efforts, our team can't wait to see SPHEREx launch."

Beyond its primary science objectives, SPHEREx will also identify significant targets for follow-up studies by renowned observatories like the James Webb Space Telescope.

BAE Systems' Role in Space Exploration

BAE Systems played a crucial role in the SPHEREx project by building both the spacecraft bus and telescope. The company has also led spacecraft integration and environmental testing for the mission, in addition to supporting launch operations and spacecraft commissioning. Dr. Jamie Bock from Caltech serves as the mission's principal investigator.

BAE Systems continues its proud legacy of supporting NASA's astrophysics missions, contributing to various prestigious projects, including the Hubble Space Telescope, Chandra X-ray Observatory, James Webb Space Telescope, and the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope.