VANDENBERG SPACE FORCE BASE, Calif. – NASA is gearing up for an unprecedented journey into space with the launch of two groundbreaking missions aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. The SPHEREx and PUNCH missions are set to take off Monday night from Space Launch Complex 4 East at Vandenberg Space Force Base, marking NASA’s first rideshare flight in support of the Science Mission Directorate.
The SPHEREx mission, short for Spectro-Photometer for the History of the Universe, Epoch of Reionization and Ices Explorer, will be joined on the Falcon 9 rocket by four spacecraft from the Polarimeter to Unify the Corona and Heliosphere (PUNCH) mission. This innovative approach of flying two payloads at once reflects a strategic shift by NASA to maximize the efficiency of launches and maximize scientific returns.
The decision to combine these missions represents a departure from previous practices, where payloads from the Science Mission Directorate typically purchased dedicated flights on rockets through NASA’s Launch Services Program. Mark Clampin, the acting deputy associate administrator for SMD, described the upcoming launch as a significant shift in NASA’s approach, emphasizing the comprehensive coverage of scientific disciplines represented by the combined missions.
Julianna Scheiman, director of NASA Science Missions for SpaceX, highlighted the significance of this rideshare mission and hinted at more collaborative efforts in the future. While this is the first SMD rideshare mission of the year, SpaceX and NASA are already planning additional missions that will further push the boundaries of scientific exploration.
Despite facing challenges along the way, the teams behind the SPHEREx and PUNCH missions have overcome setbacks to bring these innovative projects to fruition. From integration issues to weather delays, the mission has experienced various hurdles leading up to the anticipated launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base.
Upon liftoff, the SPHEREx mission will embark on a two-year journey to map the night sky in unprecedented detail, offering insights into the origins of the universe and the presence of water in the cosmos. The PUNCH mission, equipped with advanced imaging technologies, seeks to better understand solar winds and enhance our ability to predict space weather, crucial for safeguarding space assets and the terrestrial power grid.
As the countdown to launch ticks closer, the collaborative efforts between NASA, SpaceX, and other key stakeholders underscore the collective commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and exploration. The upcoming missions aboard the Falcon 9 rocket mark a significant milestone in NASA’s quest for discovery and innovation in space.