SATLASInfrared · Space
SPHEREx
OperatingOperating since 12 March 2025.
Data Release 1 has been available at IRSA since 12 November 2026.
A 20 cm telescope with linear variable filters that sweep wavelength across the field, building a 102-channel spectrum at R ≈ 35–130 from 0.75 to 5 µm for every point on the sky. Constrains primordial non-Gaussianityprimordial non-GaussianityDepartures of the initial density field from Gaussian statistics, parameterised by f_NL. Different inflation models predict different values; large-volume galaxy surveys such as SPHEREx can measure it. through the 3D clustering of more than 450 million galaxies, measures the integrated light of galaxies over cosmic time, and maps water, CO and CO₂ ices in the interstellar medium.
- Operator
- NASA, Caltech
- Orbit
- Sun-synchronous low Earth orbit
- Aperture
- 20 cm
- Passband
- 0.75 µm – 5.0 µm
- Launch
- 12 March 2025
Passband
Sky coverage
The whole sky every six months from a Sun-synchronous orbit, four full-sky surveys in the prime mission, deepest at the ecliptic poleseclipticThe plane of Earth's orbit projected on the sky; the Sun, Moon and planets stay close to it. Solar-system bodies and zodiacal light concentrate there, and spacecraft that must keep the Sun at a fixed angle often observe in strips perpendicular to it, so the ecliptic poles get the deepest coverage..
Archives
Its processing levels are mapped against other missions on the data levels page.
Sources
Verified 15 November 2026.