Astrophysics Explorers

The overall Explorer program is managed by the Heliophysics Division. Small PI-led astrophysics missions are selected under the Explorer program, and are managed by the Astrophysics Division. Explorers are opportunities for innovative science and fill the scientific gaps between the larger missions. For example, the Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array (NuSTAR) will conduct a census of black holes for the Physics of the Cosmos program and study the birth of elements for the Cosmic Origins program. Similarly, the Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE) will survey the entire sky in the near infrared, and find among these data the brightest, most distant infrared galaxies and the faintest stars in the solar neighborhood.

Launch Date	A-Z	Phase
20091103 November 02, 2009	WISE WISE is a NASA-funded scientific research project that will provide a vast storehouse of knowledge about the solar system, the Milky Way, and the Universe. Among the objects...	Development
19951231 December 30, 1995	RXTE Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer studies variability over time in the emission of X-ray sources, with moderate spectral resolution. This time behavior is a source of important...	Operating
19990625 June 24, 1999	FUSE Far Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer (FUSE) studies the far ultraviolet portion of the electromagnetic spectrum from high orbit. This range provides an opportunity to...	Past
20030429 April 28, 2003	GALEX Galaxy Evolution Explorer (GALEX)  is exploring the origin and evolution of galaxies and the origins of stars and heavy elements, and is also conducting an all-sky...	Operating
20041121 November 20, 2004	Swift Swift Gamma Ray Burst Explorer is a three-telescope space observatory for studying the position, brightness, and physical properties of gamma ray bursts. Although gamma ray...	Operating
20010701 June 30, 2001	WMAP Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe (WMAP)  produced the earliest “baby picture” of the universe, showing the minute temperature variations within the microwave light...	Operating
20110101 2011	NuSTAR The Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array is a pathfinder mission that will open the high energy X-ray sky for sensitive study for the first time. This mission is part of...	Under Study

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Astrophysics Explorers