NASA plans February 2025 launch for SPHEREx satellite to map the sky in 3D

NASA plans to launch its SPHEREx satellite in February 2025 to create a 3D map of the sky. The satellite will study galaxies, cosmic history, and essential molecules for life. It will be launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from California. SPHEREx aims to measure the distribution of millions of galaxies to explore the universe's inflation phase after the Big Bang. It will also analyze the light from distant galaxies and search for life-essential molecules in the Milky Way. The mission will last two years, generating detailed sky maps twice a year. It will also carry NASA's PUNCH mission, which includes four small satellites to study the sun's corona.