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NASA’s SPHEREx Telescope Set for Launch on SpaceX Falcon 9 to Unravel the Mysteries of Cosmic Evolution

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NASA is preparing to launch its latest infrared space telescope, SPHEREx (Spectro-Photometer for the History of the Universe, Epoch of Reionization, and Ices Explorer), on February 28. The $488 million mission will lift off from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. SPHEREx is designed to scan the entire sky in infrared light, capturing data from over 450 million galaxies and 100 million stars in the Milky Way. Its observations will target regions of the universe that are typically too distant or faint for conventional telescopes, offering an unprecedented look at cosmic history.

One of SPHEREx’s key scientific goals is to investigate cosmic inflation, the rapid expansion of the universe that took place within the first second after the Big Bang. By mapping large-scale structures in space, the telescope will help astronomers understand how galaxies formed and evolved over billions of years. Additionally, SPHEREx will search for icy molecules in interstellar space, providing crucial data on the origins of water and organic compounds essential for life. Scientists believe these insights could deepen our understanding of planetary system formation and the potential for habitability beyond Earth.

From a technical perspective, SPHEREx is an advanced yet compact observatory. Weighing approximately 500 kilograms, it operates on 270 to 300 watts of power and is equipped with a cutting-edge spectrophotometer. This instrument can detect 102 different wavelengths of infrared light, allowing it to identify unique chemical signatures across vast cosmic distances. According to NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), this capability will enable SPHEREx to create a detailed spectral map of the sky, helping researchers decipher the composition of celestial objects.

Beyond its planned objectives, SPHEREx may also yield unexpected discoveries. James Fanson, the mission’s Project Manager at JPL, told NPR that the telescope’s extensive dataset could lead to breakthroughs in areas not yet anticipated. As scientists analyze SPHEREx’s observations, they hope to uncover new insights into the structure and evolution of the universe, potentially reshaping our understanding of cosmic history.

Intuitive Machines’ Stock Drops After Second Sideways Moon Landing

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Intuitive Machines’ stock took a sharp 23% dive on Friday after confirming that its second moon lander, Athena, had landed on its side, much like the company’s first lunar attempt last year. The six-legged Athena lander had touched down approximately 100 miles (160 km) from the moon’s south pole, but the mission was declared a failure due to the spacecraft’s tilted position. The company cited the challenges of the lander’s orientation, the impact of the sun’s direction on the solar panels, and the extremely cold temperatures in the crater, which prevented the craft from recharging.

As a result, Intuitive Machines’ stock experienced its most significant drop in over a year. Shares had already fallen 20% the previous day, but the company had seen a considerable rise in value over the past 12 months prior to this setback.

Athena was carrying 11 scientific payloads, including tools for water ice exploration, lunar soil analysis, and the first data center and cellular network on the moon. Despite the failure, the company remains involved in NASA’s plans to reduce the cost of lunar exploration, with Intuitive Machines among the private companies leading the U.S. return to the moon.

Meanwhile, SpaceX’s Starship rocket also faced a setback, exploding minutes after its launch on Thursday. Despite these challenges, industry analysts believe that Intuitive Machines, though impacted by the recent failure, is still well-positioned to capitalize on the growing space exploration industry.

Andres Sheppard, senior analyst at Cantor Fitzgerald, remarked that while the sideways landing might affect the company’s credibility, it doesn’t signal a dire situation for Intuitive Machines. “We still think they are one of the better-positioned companies in the space exploration industry.”

Starlink Seeks More Spectrum Access in Italy Amid EU Coordination Delay

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Starlink, Elon Musk’s space-based internet service, is pushing for access to additional spectrum in Italy to expand its satellite broadband capabilities. The company, which has been operating in Italy since 2021, submitted an application two years ago for access to the E-band spectrum, which would improve communications between its three Italian ground stations and its satellite network. This request has not been previously disclosed.

The E-band frequencies Starlink is targeting—71.0-76.0 GHz and 81.0-86.0 GHz—are already available to the company in the United States. If granted in Italy, this additional access would significantly boost Starlink’s ability to serve more customers, especially as the company seeks to strengthen its first-mover advantage in the low-orbit satellite broadband sector.

Italy’s Industry Junior Minister, Massimo Bitonci, stated that the country is adopting a cautious approach, waiting for the European Union to coordinate a unified stance on E-band spectrum usage. The E-band is jointly managed by Italy’s Ministry of Industry and the Ministry of Defense, with some frequencies requiring defense approval. However, no decision has been made yet regarding Starlink’s request.

In addition to spectrum concerns, Starlink is contemplating expanding its network by adding a new ground station in northern Italy, where demand has exceeded expectations. Conversely, it may reduce its presence in southern Italy, where demand has been lower than anticipated.

Starlink has approximately 55,000 customers in Italy, a figure that highlights the growing demand for its service in the country, where internet access in remote regions remains a challenge.