NASA is set to provide extensive live coverage of the prelaunch and launch activities for the SPHEREx (Spectro-Photometer for the History of the Universe, Epoch of Reionization and Ices Explorer) mission. This latest space telescope from NASA will launch alongside the PUNCH (Polarimeter to Unify the Corona and Heliosphere) mission, designed to study the Sun's solar wind. The launch is scheduled for no earlier than 10:09 p.m. EST (7:09 p.m. PST) on Sunday, March 2, from the Space Launch Complex 4 East at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.
The launch will be carried out using a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. Interested viewers can watch the coverage live on NASA+ and learn how to access NASA content through various platforms, including social media.
The SPHEREx mission aims to enhance our comprehension of the universe's evolution and search for essential ingredients for life within our galaxy. Meanwhile, the four small spacecraft that comprise the PUNCH mission will observe the Sun’s corona as it transitions into solar wind.
Although the deadline for media accreditation for in-person coverage of this launch has passed, NASA’s media credentialing policy remains available online. For further inquiries about media accreditation, please email: ksc-media-accreditat@mail.nasa.gov.
Here’s a detailed schedule of NASA’s mission coverage, with all times in Eastern and subject to change based on real-time operations:
Tuesday, Feb. 25 2 p.m. – SPHEREx and PUNCH Science Overview News Conference featuring experts from NASA Headquarters, NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, and Caltech. The news conference will stream on NASA+. Media can ask questions in person or via phone. Contact the NASA Kennedy newsroom at ksc-newsroom@mail.nasa.gov for details. Saturday, March 1 3:30 p.m. – SPHEREx and PUNCH Prelaunch News Conference with key personnel from NASA Headquarters, NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and SpaceX. Live streaming will be available on NASA+. Sunday, March 2 12 p.m. – SPHEREx and PUNCH Launch Preview streaming live on NASA+. 9:15 p.m. – Launch coverage begins on NASA+. 10:09 p.m. – Launch window opens.Audio-only coverage of the launch will be available via NASA’s “V” circuits, accessible by dialing 321-867-1220 or -1240. On launch day, “mission audio” will be available at 321-867-7135.
Launch day coverage, including links to live streaming and blog updates, will be available on NASA’s website starting no earlier than 9:15 p.m. on March 2. On-demand streaming video and photos of the launch will be available shortly after liftoff. For questions, contact the Kennedy newsroom at 321-867-2468.
To follow countdown coverage, visit the SPHEREx blog.
The public is invited to register for virtual attendance of this launch. NASA’s virtual guest program offers curated launch resources, notifications about related opportunities or changes, and a stamp for the NASA virtual guest passport following the launch.
Stay connected and engage by following and tagging these accounts on social media:
X: @NASA, @NASAJPL, @NASAUnivese, @NASASun, @NASAKennedy, @NASA_LSP Facebook: NASA, NASAJPL, NASA Universe, NASASunScience, NASA’s Launch Services Program Instagram: @NASA, @NASAKennedy, @NASAJPL, @NASAUniveseFor more information about these missions, visit the official SPHEREx and PUNCH mission pages.
Alise Fisher – SPHEREx Headquarters, Washington
202-617-4977
alise.m.fisher@nasa.gov
Sarah Frazier – PUNCH Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md.
202-853-7191
sarah.frazier@nasa.gov
