Nasa has launched a powerful new space telescope as it begins a multi-year mission to produce a fresh map of the universe and investigate some of the most significant unanswered questions in space science.
The US space agency’s latest telescope is intended to support research into dark energy and dark matter, two areas identified as central to the mission. The project will use observations gathered over several years to help build a broader picture of the universe.
The launch marks the start of an extended programme of work rather than a short-term observation campaign. Its main objective is to create a new cosmic map, with the telescope expected to contribute data over the course of its mission.
Nasa has presented the mission as a major step in efforts to examine the structure and behaviour of the universe. By focusing on dark energy and dark matter, the telescope will be directed towards subjects that remain among the key priorities for modern astronomy.
The spacecraft is now at the beginning of its planned multi-year work. Further findings from the mission are expected to depend on the observations collected as the telescope carries out its survey of the universe.
