SpaceX Launches NASA’s SPHEREx and PUNCH Missions from Vandenberg

On March 10, 2025, SpaceX successfully launched NASA's SPHEREx and PUNCH missions aboard a Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The launch, initially scheduled for an earlier time, proceeded with a 20% favorable weather forecast, showcasing the resilience and precision of SpaceX's operations.

The SPHEREx (Spectro-Photometer for the History of the Universe, Epoch of Reionization and Ices Explorer) mission aims to map the universe's evolution and explore the origins of water and other life-essential molecules. Simultaneously, the PUNCH (Polarimeter to Unify the Corona and Heliosphere) mission will study the sun's corona and its impact on space weather, providing crucial data for space weather forecasting.

The launch signifies a significant milestone for NASA's science programs, emphasizing the agency's commitment to unraveling the mysteries of the universe and understanding our solar system. The successful deployment of both spacecraft highlights the robust collaboration between SpaceX and NASA, pushing the boundaries of space exploration.

• NASA
• PUNCH
• SpaceX
• SPHEREx

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