This Week in Science: New Cosmic Maps, SpaceX Launch, and India’s PSLV Mission
Published: January 9, 2026
This week delivers a rich mix of space science milestones, from revolutionary all‑sky maps of the universe to major orbital launches and ambitious upcoming missions. Astronomers and space agencies worldwide are pushing the boundaries of discovery, offering insights into cosmic history, Earth observation, and global collaboration in space exploration.
NASA’s SPHEREx Releases First All‑Sky Infrared Map
NASA’s SPHEREx mission has achieved a major milestone by completing its first infrared map of the entire sky, capturing data in 102 different wavelengths. This panoramic cosmic survey is unlike anything seen before, offering astronomers unprecedented insight into the universe’s structure, the distribution of galaxies, and the ingredients for star and planet formation. The SPHEREx observatory, launched in March 2025, will continue mapping the sky over the next two years to enhance our understanding of galaxy evolution and the conditions that gave rise to the cosmos we see today. (Live Science)
SpaceX Launches Earth‑Observing Satellite to Orbit
On January 2, 2026, SpaceX completed a successful launch of an Italian Earth‑observing satellite aboard a Falcon 9 rocket. The satellite, part of the COSMO‑SkyMed Second Generation constellation, will collect high‑resolution radar data regardless of weather or light conditions, benefiting environmental monitoring, emergency response, and agriculture. This mission represents the first orbital launch of the year and underscores continued growth in commercial space science applications. (Space.com)
ISRO Plans PSLV‑C62 Mission on January 12, 2026
India’s space agency, ISRO, is set to launch the PSLV‑C62 mission on January 12, 2026 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre. This mission will deploy the EOS‑N1 high‑resolution Earth observation satellite along with 17 other payloads, including international and commercial satellites. The launch highlights India’s expanding role in global space cooperation and its growing capabilities in satellite deployment and remote sensing technologies. (Times of India)
What This Means for Science and Exploration
- Cosmic understanding: SPHEREx’s all‑sky maps will provide data that helps researchers explore everything from cosmic dust to galaxy formation.
- Earth observation: Radar satellites like COSMO‑SkyMed improve our ability to monitor and respond to environmental change on Earth.
- Global cooperation: Missions like PSLV‑C62 underscore international collaboration and expanded access to space for scientific and commercial partners.
Conclusion
From mapping the universe in new wavelengths to launching satellites that enhance Earth data and global partnerships, this week’s science news reflects rapid progress across multiple frontiers. These missions will influence research and applications for years to come, bringing us closer to understanding both our planet and the broader universe.
