BAE Systems has successfully completed environmental testing for NASA's SPHEREx Observatory, which is designed to conduct all-sky spectral surveys in near-infrared light.

The rigorous testing process included thermal vacuum tests, vibration and acoustic tests, and electromagnetic interference tests to ensure the observatory's robust performance.

With testing now complete, the SPHEREx Observatory is in its final preparations for shipment and launch.

Once operational, SPHEREx is expected to gather data on over 450 million galaxies and millions of stars, which will aid in the study of cosmic expansion, ancient galaxies, and essential elements for planetary development.

Alberto Conti, vice president of BAE Systems Space and Mission Systems, highlighted the mission's potential to provide valuable insights into the early universe.

Additionally, SPHEREx will help identify targets for further study by missions like the James Webb Space Telescope and support future projects such as the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope.

The SPHEREx mission is set to last two years, during which it will map the entire sky four times, producing the highest-resolution color maps of the universe.

Dr. Jamie Bock from Caltech serves as the principal investigator for the SPHEREx mission, leading the scientific efforts behind this ambitious project.

BAE Systems played a crucial role in developing the satellite bus, the observatory's telescope, and cover, collaborating closely with Caltech and NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory for other components.