Aspera is a NASA small satellite astrophysical mission selected in 2020 as part of the Astrophysics Pioneers Program. The mission is designed to map diffuse extreme-ultraviolet (EUV) emission from hot gas in the circumgalactic medium (CGM) and intergalactic medium (IGM) of nearby galaxies by detecting the O VI doublet at 103.2 and 103.8 nm.
Launch NASA awarded the launch to Rocket Lab in May 2025 under the Venture-Class Acquisition of Dedicated and Rideshare (VADR) contract. Aspera will be launched on an Electron rocket from Launch Complex 1 in Mahia, New Zealand. As of August 2026, the launch is expected in January 2027.
See also Pandora Mission
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