NASA has recently announced that it will be launching its Compton Spectrometer and Imager mission, also known as COSI, in 2027 with the help of SpaceX. The high-energy gamma-ray telescope will be studying the universe, focusing on phenomena in the Milky Way and beyond. The mission is expected to cost $145 million, with an additional $69 million for the launch contract with SpaceX.
COSI will be looking into various aspects of the universe, including the creation and destruction of matter and antimatter, as well as the final stages of stars’ lives. It will also investigate the origins of the Milky Way’s galactic positrons, study gamma-ray polarization, and identify counterparts to multi-messenger sources – cosmic objects or events that emit multiple types of signals.
This collaboration between NASA and SpaceX adds to the already busy schedule of Falcon 9 rocket launches. The Falcon 9, known for its reusability, has already completed 67 missions in 2024, with a significant number dedicated to deploying Starlink satellites for SpaceX’s internet megaconstellation.
The launch of COSI in 2027 marks an important milestone in space exploration, as it will provide valuable insights into the universe’s most energetic phenomena. This mission will contribute to our understanding of the Milky Way and help uncover the mysteries of the cosmos.
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Michael Wall, a Senior Space Writer at Space.com, has been covering space exploration and science since 2010. His expertise in exoplanets, spaceflight, and military space has led to insightful coverage of various space missions. With a background in evolutionary biology and a passion for wildlife biology, Michael brings a unique perspective to his science writing. Stay tuned to his latest projects by following him on Twitter.
