On March 13, 2025, VIAVI Solutions Inc. (NASDAQ: VIAV) announced its significant contribution to NASA's SPHEREx mission, which aims to explore the cosmos in unprecedented detail. Launched on March 11, 2025, the Spectro-Photometer for the History of the Universe, Epoch of Reionization, and Ices Explorer (SPHEREx) is a collaborative effort involving NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and the California Institute of Technology (Caltech). This mission is set to revolutionize our understanding of the universe by conducting the first all-sky spectral survey in the near-infrared range.

2. The SPHEREx Mission

The SPHEREx mission is poised to capture the cosmos across 102 distinct infrared color bands. This ambitious project will enable the mapping of hundreds of millions of galaxies and over 100 million stars, providing unparalleled insights into several critical areas of astrophysical research. By collecting data on cosmic inflation, galaxy evolution, and the origins of water and organic molecules in planetary systems, SPHEREx aims to deepen our understanding of the very foundations of life.

3. VIAVI's Role

VIAVI Solutions is playing a pivotal role in this groundbreaking endeavor through its advanced optical components. The company’s state-of-the-art technology is essential for the SPHEREx spectrometer's capability to detect and analyze even the faintest infrared signals. Critical components include:

Linear Variable Filters: These filters are crucial for splitting wavelengths of light in the range of 0.75-5.0µm, thereby enabling detailed spectral mapping.

Dichroic Beamsplitter: This component reflects the 0.75-2.6µm wavelengths while transmitting 2.6-5.0µm, effectively dividing incoming light between two detector banks.

Together, these technologies enhance the mission's ability to produce a comprehensive spectral map of the universe.

4. Leadership Insights

Luke Scrivanich, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Optical Security and Performance at VIAVI, expressed pride in the collaboration with NASA. "Today marks a monumental milestone for our entire team at VIAVI," he stated. "We collaborated with JPL and Caltech engineers, overcame technical challenges, and pushed the boundaries of excellence for our precision optical filters. Congratulations to the NASA, JPL, and Caltech teams."

5. A Legacy of Innovation

The SPHEREx spectrophotometer design builds on VIAVI's previous contributions to space missions that utilized Linear Variable Filter technology. Noteworthy past missions include:

LEISA on New Horizons: Capturing spectral images of Jupiter and Pluto.

OVIRS on OSIRIS-REx: Exploring the surface of the asteroid Bennu.

MISE on Europa Clipper: Mapping the surface ice on Jupiter's moon, Europa.

These achievements underscore VIAVI's longstanding commitment to advancing optical technology in the context of space exploration.

6. Conclusion

The collaboration between VIAVI Solutions and NASA for the SPHEREx mission marks a significant step forward in our quest to understand the universe. As we stand on the brink of new discoveries, the technologies provided by VIAVI will play a crucial role in unraveling cosmic mysteries. This partnership not only highlights VIAVI's innovative capabilities but also reinforces its position as a leading provider of optical solutions in the aerospace sector.

For more information about VIAVI and its cutting-edge technologies, visit the company's website.

Original press release