NASA's SPHEREx & PUNCH take flight: A single SpaceX rocket, two groundbreaking missions
Produced by: Mohsin Shaikh
Double Mission Lift-Off
NASA and SpaceX are launching two missions at once—SPHEREx and PUNCH—aboard a Falcon 9 rocket on February 28 from California’s Vandenberg Space Force Base.
SPHEREx: The Universe’s Origins
SPHEREx will explore the first second after the Big Bang, mapping the sky in infrared to uncover cosmic history and life’s essential building blocks.
PUNCH: Unlocking the Sun
PUNCH will capture real-time images of the Sun’s corona, revealing how solar wind forms and influences space weather across the solar system.
Precision Timing
Liftoff is scheduled no earlier than 10:09 p.m. EST (7:09 p.m. PST) after additional system checks to ensure mission success.
A Falcon 9 Ride
SpaceX’s reliable Falcon 9 rocket will carry both missions, demonstrating cost-effective multi-payload launches.
Prelaunch Briefing on February 27
NASA will stream a live briefing at 3:30 p.m. EST for updates on the mission objectives and launch preparations.
Watch It Live
The NASA+ livestream begins at 9:15 p.m. EST on February 28—don’t miss this historic dual launch!
Big Bang to Solar Wind
From early universe mysteries to the Sun’s dynamic corona, these missions aim to answer fundamental questions about our cosmic environment.
NASA & SpaceX: A Powerful Partnership
With SpaceX’s cutting-edge launch capabilities, NASA continues pushing boundaries in astronomy and space weather research.