SpaceX has been selected by NASA to launch the Pandora mission, which aims to study at least 20 known exoplanets and their host stars. The mission will focus on understanding how changes in these stars affect observations of exoplanet atmospheres. The launch will be conducted under NASA’s Venture-Class Acquisition of Dedicated and Rideshare (VADR) contract, which allows NASA to award fixed-price contracts during a five-year ordering period.

BulletsIn

• NASA has selected SpaceX to launch the Pandora mission for exoplanet study.
• The mission aims to observe at least 20 exoplanets and their host stars.
• Pandora’s goal is to understand how stellar changes affect exoplanet atmosphere observations.
• The launch is part of NASA’s Venture-Class Acquisition of Dedicated and Rideshare (VADR) contract.
• VADR contracts can have a maximum total value of $300 million over five years.
• Pandora’s primary mission will last one year and include 10 observations of each exoplanet.
• Each observation will last 24 hours, capturing crucial data during transits.
• A transit occurs when an exoplanet passes in front of its host star, allowing for detailed study.
• The mission will provide significant insights into exoplanet and star dynamics.
• SpaceX, based in Starbase, Texas, will handle the launch service for the mission.