By Marie Boran is a Newsweek reporter based in Carlow, Ireland. Her focus is reporting on technology. She has covered the intersection of emerging technologies and society extensively. Marie joined Newsweek in August 2024, having previously written for The Irish Times, The Business Post, and The Irish Independent. She is a graduate of Dublin City University, where she obtained a Master's degree in science communication, and the University of Galway, where she obtained a Master's by research in digital sociology. You can get in touch with Marie on X/Twitter @marievonboran and Bluesky @marieboran.bsky.social. Languages: English. Writers Page NASA's SPHEREx Mission In April 2025, NASA plans to launch the Spectro-Photometer for the History of the Universe, Epoch of Reionization, and Ices Explorer (SPHEREx) mission. This space observatory will conduct an extensive all-sky survey in optical and near-infrared light, mapping hundreds of millions of galaxies and stars. SPHEREx aims to address fundamental questions about the origin of the universe, galaxy formation, and the prevalence of life-forming molecules in our galaxy. By analyzing the cosmic background radiation and interstellar ices, SPHEREx will provide insights into the processes that shaped the early universe. SpaceX Powers Private Space Travel Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) is an upcoming private spaceflight to the International Space Station (ISS), organized by Axiom Space in partnership with SpaceX. The mission is scheduled to launch no earlier than April 2025 and is expected to last approximately 14 days. The Ax-4 mission will be led by veteran astronaut Peggy Whitson, marking her second command of an Axiom Space mission. This mission signifies a notable collaboration between Axiom Space and international partners, including the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the European Space Agency (ESA). Notably, it will be the first time a Polish astronaut has flown to space in over 40 years. Ax-4 aims to conduct scientific research and technology demonstrations aboard the ISS, contributing to the commercialization of low-Earth orbit. May 2025