**SPHEREx to Launch from U.S. Space Force Base on the 28th**
**Observing 1 Billion Celestial Bodies in 102 Colors**
**Researching the Origins of the Universe and Lifeforms**
**Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute as the Sole International Partner**
**Strengthening Korea’s Deep Space Exploration Expected**
SPHEREx, a next-generation space telescope by NASA with participation from Korean researchers, is set to be launched into space on the 28th. SPHEREx will carry out a mission to create the world’s first 3D infrared space map by observing the entire sky in 102 colors. The map is expected to provide clues to the universe’s origins, including the causes of its rapid expansion post-Big Bang, as well as the existence of lifeforms.
The space agency announced on the 12th that SPHEREx will be launched at noon on the 28th (7 p.m. on the 27th local time) from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, USA. Kang Hyun-woo, head of the space science exploration mission design program at the space agency, highlighted the significance of SPHEREx’s mission in understanding the universe’s and galaxies’ origins and seeking clues about the origins of life. He noted that the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute is the only international partner in development, which is expected to enhance Korea’s deep space exploration capabilities.
The well-known James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) by NASA offers the highest resolution images of space taken so far. While JWST performs detailed and in-depth exploration of specific areas in space, SPHEREx’s role is to create a map of the entire universe by orbiting and collecting images.
SPHEREx will conduct “spectral observation” of infrared light, which is absorbed by the atmosphere and thus difficult to observe from Earth. It can spectrally observe the entire sky in 102 infrared wavelengths, or colors. Spectral observation involves measuring the brightness of light according to its wavelength, providing detailed information on celestial bodies.
To measure large cosmic structures, it is essential to have spectral information that shows how quickly individual celestial bodies are moving away from Earth.
SPHEREx, measuring 1.5 meters by 1.3 meters with a 20 cm diameter telescope, is equipped with a telescope shade, a linear spectrometer, and solar panels for power. Once launched, it will begin observation from a sun-synchronous orbit approximately 650 kilometers above Earth. The mission aims to create space maps four times over approximately 2.5 years, assuming a successful launch and orbit insertion on the 28th.
The scientific community has high expectations for SPHEREx. It is anticipated to produce individual spectral data for about 1 billion celestial bodies through its mapping efforts.
This project, which began in 2016 with a budget of 280 billion won, is led by the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), with participation from 12 institutions including NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and BAE Systems.
The Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute is the sole international partner, recognized for its leading infrared space exploration technologies such as the Near-infrared Imaging Spectrometer (NISS) it developed. Jamie Bock, the mission leader at Caltech, acknowledged the contribution of the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute in reducing time and costs. Chung Woong-seop, a lead researcher at the institute, expressed hope that sharing all the data from SPHEREx will enable uniquely Korean scientific research.
“Space Telescope”
An optical observation tool for astronomical observations conducted in space outside of Earth’s atmosphere. Astronomers use the wavelengths of various radiations like infrared and gamma rays to observe space. On Earth, except for certain wavelengths like visible or near-infrared light, it is challenging to observe due to atmospheric interference.
[Reporter Kyo Jae-won / Reporter Choi Won-seok]