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A satellite known as the X-Ray Imaging and Spectroscopy Mission (XRISM) is scheduled to launch on August 26. This mission is a collaboration between NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA), and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). The goal of this mission is to unlock mysteries surrounding the formation of the universe and the structure of spacetime.

One of the key objectives of XRISM is to study the X-rays emitted in the most energetic explosions and hottest regions of the cosmos. By focusing on galaxy clusters, which are the largest building blocks in the universe, XRISM will detect X-ray light emitted by super-hot gas enveloping these clusters. This data will allow scientists to measure the mass of the clusters, providing new insights into the evolution of the universe.

Moreover, the X-rays emitted by this gas, which is a remnant of star birth and death, will offer valuable information about the history of the universe’s chemical elements.

XRISM will also investigate incredibly dense objects, such as supermassive black holes at the center of galaxies, by measuring X-ray light. These measurements will provide clues about how these objects affect the spacetime around them and influence their host galaxies.

The mission is being led by JAXA, with hardware and scientific advice provided by ESA. In exchange, ESA will receive 8% of XRISM’s available observing time. ESA’s contributions include an optical telescope to ensure precise pointing, devices to sense Earth’s magnetic field and adjust the spacecraft accordingly, and the development of XRISM’s Resolve instrument, which measures the temperature and dynamics of X-ray emitting objects.

Another key instrument of XRISM is Xtend, which enables the satellite to observe a region 60% larger than the average size of the full Moon.

Following successful testing on Earth, XRISM is scheduled for launch on a H-IIA rocket from the Tanegashima Space Center in Japan on August 26. The take-off can be watched live on JAXA’s YouTube channel.

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