Nasa launching new 'SPHEREx' mission to find the origins of the universe

Nasa is launching a brand new space mission that could solve two of the deepest questions about the universe. The launch could help astronomers understand how our universe evolved in the first place and how common the ingredients for life are within it. The mission is named the Spectro-Photometer for the History of the Universe, Epoch of Reionization and Ices Explorer (SPHEREx) will last for two years, cost nearly $250 million and is expected to launch in 2023. "I'm really excited about this new mission," said NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine in a statement. "Not only does it expand the United States' powerful fleet of space-based missions dedicated to uncovering the mysteries of the universe, it is a critical part of a balanced science program that includes missions of various sizes."