Galaxy Evolution Explorer (GALEX) (James Fanson)

The Galaxy Evolution Explorer (GALEX) mission was selected in 1997 and launched in 2003, performing the first extragalactic wide-area imaging and spectroscopic surveys in the ultraviolet. Designed to map the history of star formation over 80 percent of the history of the universe, GALEX has changed our understanding of where and when stars form in galaxies over cosmic time. Along the way several, surprising discoveries were made, including the first detection of a 13-light-year-long tail streaming behind the star Mira, and the first observation of the ultraviolet flash at the beginning of a
supernova explosion.

Although a small mission, GALEX developed the largest microchannel plate detectors ever flown in space. Begun under the faster-better-cheaper era, implementation changed radically following a string of mission failures in the late nineties. Project implementation encountered an unusual array of technical and programmatic challenges, producing a useful collection of lessons learned. GALEX was ultimately flown and checked out in orbit for $72 million. Originally intended to operate for twenty-eight months, GALEX continues to produce unique data more than eight years later.

To learn more, please visit:
http://appel.nasa.gov/knowledge-shari...