NASA selects SPCX to launch StarBurst gamma-ray detector in 2028

NASA: The National Aeronautics and Space Administration is the U.S. government agency responsible for the nation's civilian space program, aeronautics research, and space science missions. It develops astrophysics projects and manages launch procurement contracts. NASA awarded SPCX the task order to launch its StarBurst gamma-ray detector mission. SPCX: Space Exploration Technologies Corp., operating as SpaceX, designs, manufactures, and launches reusable rockets while providing launch services to government and commercial customers. The company also operates satellite networks and other space technologies. NASA has selected SPCX to provide launch services for the StarBurst mission aboard a Falcon 9 rocket. StarBurst: StarBurst is a NASA small satellite mission under the Astrophysics Pioneers Program designed to detect high-energy gamma rays from neutron star mergers and short gamma-ray bursts. The instrument will observe unobscured portions of the sky and support multimessenger astronomy by integrating data with gravitational-wave detectors and other telescopes. It is scheduled for launch as a rideshare payload. Launch Services: NASA selected the provider under a firm-fixed-price task order via its VADR contract vehicle for dedicated and rideshare launches. Launch Timeline: The mission is planned for a Falcon 9 Bandwagon rideshare from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station no earlier than 2028. Mission Science: StarBurst will focus on detecting initial emissions from short gamma-ray bursts associated with neutron star mergers through multimessenger observations.