Aspera houses an ultraviolet telescope and will examine hot gas in the intergalactic medium, thought to be contributing to the birth of stars and planets. Aspera will be the first NASA astrophysics mission to gather and map these ultraviolet light signatures, potentially unlocking a deeper understanding of the origins of stars, planets, and life in the universe. No earlier than January 29, 2027 · To Be Determined Electron — Rocket Lab, to Low Earth Orbit Unknown Pad, Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1, Mahia Peninsula, New Zealand Data: Launch Library 2, The Space Devs. Image via The Space Devs.