On March 11, SpaceX successfully launched a Falcon 9 rocket carrying two NASA science missions: SPHEREx and PUNCH.

The Falcon 9 lifted off from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, placing both spacecraft into sun-synchronous orbits.

SPHEREx will explore the infrared universe, while PUNCH will study the solar wind.

The missions were launched together to optimize efficiency, as both were headed to similar orbits.

The launch had been delayed by nearly two weeks due to technical issues, including equipment problems and a payload fairing leak, as well as weather and scheduling conflicts, Space News has reported.

All spacecraft are functioning as expected post-launch.

Written by B.C. Begley