Revolutionary Satellite Launch and Lunar Lander Postponed Due to Weather
In a disappointing turn of events, the launch of a groundbreaking satellite and a lunar lander has been postponed due to inclement weather. The XRISM satellite, also known as the X-Ray Imaging and Spectroscopy Mission, was scheduled to liftoff at 8:26 p.m. ET on Sunday from the Tanegashima Space Center in Japan. However, high upper winds above the launch site prevented the launch from proceeding as planned.
This marks the third time the launch has been rescheduled due to bad weather. The launchpad at Tanegashima is reserved for the mission until September 15, but a new launch date has not yet been announced.
The XRISM satellite is a joint mission between the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and NASA, with participation from the European Space Agency and Canadian Space Agency. It aims to reveal celestial objects in a new light by detecting X-ray light, which is invisible to humans. X-rays are released by some of the most energetic objects and events in the universe, making them crucial for astronomers to study.
The satellite carries two instruments called Resolve and Xtend. Resolve will track temperature shifts to determine the source, composition, motion, and physical state of X-rays. Meanwhile, Xtend will provide XRISM with one of the largest fields of view on an X-ray satellite. These instruments will help unlock cosmic mysteries and provide insights into difficult places to study, such as the internal structures of neutron stars and near-light-speed particle jets powered by black holes.
Accompanying the satellite is JAXA’s SLIM (Smart Lander for Investigating Moon), which is designed to demonstrate a pinpoint landing at a specific location on the moon. Dubbed the “Moon Sniper,” this small-scale exploration lander utilizes high-precision landing technology to achieve a landing within 100 meters (328 feet), rather than the typical kilometer range.
Once the XRISM satellite reaches orbit, it will need to calibrate for a few months before commencing its three-year mission. It can detect X-rays with energies ranging from 400 to 12,000 electron volts, allowing for the study of cosmic extremes across the universe.
In addition to its scientific goals, SLIM aims to investigate the composition of rocks near a small lunar impact crater called Shioli, which may shed light on the origins of the moon. The successful execution of precise landings on the lunar surface is a significant goal for JAXA and other space agencies, especially as they plan future missions to resource-rich areas like the lunar south pole.
Although the new launch date for XRISM and SLIM has not been announced, scientists and space enthusiasts eagerly anticipate these missions and the discoveries they will bring.