NASA is on a quest to unravel the mysteries of the cosmos, and the latest addition to this endeavor is the UVEX mission. UVEX, an acronym for UltraViolet EXplorer, is a space telescope scheduled for a 2030 launch, aimed to survey ultraviolet radiation across the sky. As part of NASA’s Astrophysics Medium-Class Explorer mission series, UVEX will enhance our understanding of the development of galaxies and stars.
This cutting-edge telescope is not just about mapping the sky; it is also designed to rapidly target ultraviolet light sources, key to observing cosmic events like the explosive aftermaths of neutron star mergers that emit gravitational waves. Additionally, UVEX will be equipped with an ultraviolet spectrograph suitable for examining the complex nature of stellar explosions and massive stars.
Nicola Fox, the associate administrator for Science at NASA, expressed that UVEX will play a critical role in grasping the nuances of galactic behavior and monitoring dynamic cosmic activities. She emphasized that UVEX will significantly enhance NASA’s suite of telescopes by providing extensive survey data in near-and far-ultraviolet light, thereby unveiling new aspects of the universe.
The telescope will work in concert with other major surveys of this decade, such as ESA’s Euclid mission, in which NASA is a contributor, and the upcoming Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope. The synergy among these telescopes will forge a new multi-wavelength universe map.
According to Mark Clampin, Astronomy Division director at NASA, UVEX will not only offer a valuable data archive for scientific research but also address one of the chief scientific objectives today: the investigation of transitory astronomical phenomena.
After extensive proposal evaluations, NASA greenlit UVEX to proceed into the development phase. This project stands out as part of NASA’s commitment to understanding the universe through different wavelengths and is budgeted at around $300 million, exclusive of launch expenses.
Fiona Harrison of Caltech in Pasadena, California serves as the mission’s principal investigator. The UVEX team also includes experts from the University of California at Berkeley, Northrop Grumman, and the Space Dynamics Laboratory.
The Explorers Program, the NASA’s longest-running project since the notable Explorer 1 launch in 1958, which discovered the Earth’s radiation belts, fosters affordable, regular access to space. With more than 90 missions to its credit, including Nobel Prize-winning ventures like Uhuru and the Cosmic Background Explorer, the Explorers Program continues to lead scientific discoveries in astrophysics and heliophysics.
This program is run by NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center for the Science Mission Directorate, dedicated to research and exploration in areas such as Earth science, solar system, and beyond.
Discover more about the Explorers Program here:
https://explorers.gsfc.nasa.gov
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Alise Fisher
Headquarters, Washington
202-358-2546
alise.m.fisher@nasa.gov
FAQs about NASA’s UVEX Mission
What is the UVEX mission?
UVEX, or the UltraViolet EXplorer, is a NASA mission involving a space telescope that will survey the sky in ultraviolet light and study the evolution of galaxies and stars. It is targeted to launch in 2030.
What will UVEX do?
UVEX will perform an all-sky survey in ultraviolet light, rapidly target sources of ultraviolet light in the universe, capture stellar explosions, and be equipped with an ultraviolet spectrograph to study massive stars and stellar remnants.
How much does the UVEX mission cost?
The UVEX mission is estimated to cost approximately $300 million, not including launch costs.
What other missions will UVEX work with?
UVEX will complement other wide surveys such as the Euclid mission and the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope to create a comprehensive map of the universe in various wavelengths.
Who is leading the UVEX mission?
The principal investigator for the UVEX mission is Fiona Harrison based at Caltech in Pasadena, California.
Conclusion
NASA’s UVEX mission is yet another milestone in the field of astrophysics that will deepen our understanding of the universe’s intricate workings. As UVEX readies for its 2030 launch, it brings with it the promise of gathering unprecedented ultraviolet data that will likely shape our knowledge of cosmic phenomena for years to come. It also underscores the continuing success and importance of NASA’s Explorers Program, which has facilitated space science investigations for over six decades. The anticipation around UVEX reflects the excitement and curiosity that drives humanity’s exploration of the vast and mysterious cosmos.