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XRISM

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description XRISM Overview

XRISM (X-Ray Imaging and Spectroscopy Mission) is a space observatory jointly developed by JAXA and NASA, launched in September 2023. The satellite is equipped with a high-resolution X-ray microcalorimeter and an X-ray imager, specifically designed to measure the extreme high-energy phenomena occurring throughout the universe. Astronomers utilize the data to analyze the motion and composition of superheated gas in galaxy clusters and the environments surrounding black holes. This advanced spectroscopy technology provides researchers with detailed observations regarding the structure and evolution of cosmic matter.

help XRISM FAQ

What are XRISM's Resolve and Xtend instruments?

Resolve is a cryogenically cooled microcalorimeter that measures the energy of individual X-ray photons with high precision. Xtend is a wide-field soft-X-ray camera built around an array of CCD detectors.

Is XRISM a replacement for Japan's Hitomi satellite?

XRISM was developed as a recovery mission after Hitomi was lost shortly after its 2016 launch. It restores high-resolution X-ray spectroscopy capabilities while using the newer Resolve and Xtend instrument package.

Which space agencies built XRISM?

JAXA leads XRISM in collaboration with NASA and with participation from the European Space Agency. NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center contributed the Resolve detector system and X-ray mirror assemblies.

When and where did XRISM launch?

XRISM launched aboard a Japanese H-IIA rocket from Tanegashima Space Center in September 2023. The same launch also carried JAXA's SLIM lunar lander.

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