NASA’s SPHEREx observatory is set to launch Thursday aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket to map over 450 million galaxies.

The $488 million mission will survey the entire sky in 102 infrared colors, offering insights into galaxy formation, cosmic inflation, and the origins of water in the Milky Way.

Using spectroscopy, SPHEREx will create a 3D map of the universe, helping scientists study the early moments after the Big Bang and trace key ingredients for life, NBC News has reported.

Researchers expect groundbreaking discoveries from this decade-long project.

Written by B.C. Begley