In an eagerly anticipated event, Japan made strides in space exploration by launching a rocket carrying a unique payload on Thursday. Departing from the Tanegashima Space Center in southwestern Japan, the HII-A rocket took flight, showcasing its journey in real-time via the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) livestream.
The focal point of this mission is the X-Ray Imaging and Spectroscopy Mission, known as XRISM. Thirteen minutes after liftoff, XRISM entered Earth's orbit, ready to delve into the mysteries of the universe. Equipped to measure the composition and velocity of intergalactic space, this technology promises valuable insights into the formation of celestial entities and, ultimately, the enigma of the universe's origin, AP reported.
In a collaborative effort with NASA, JAXA will scrutinize light wavelengths, spatial temperatures, and the shapes and brightness of cosmic entities. This research, as noted by David Alexander, director of Rice Space Institute at Rice University, could unlock critical information about hot plasma—superheated matter prevalent in the universe. The applications of this knowledge are wide-ranging, from medical treatments to environmental conservation.
However, the rocket's payload doesn't stop at XRISM. Aboard this Japanese marvel is the Smart Lander for Investigating Moon, or SLIM, a lunar lander with a distinct purpose. While it will take three to four months for SLIM to reach lunar orbit, it's slated to make an early-year landing, according to JAXA. The agency is actively developing "pinpoint landing technology" to enhance precision, aiming for landings within approximately 100 meters (330 feet) of the target. This capability ensures a safer landing site selection for SLIM.
This mission unfolds against the backdrop of renewed global interest in lunar exploration. To date, only the United States, Russia, China, and India have successfully reached the lunar surface.
ISRO extended its congratulations to the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) on Thursday for the successful launch of the Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM). In addition, ISRO expressed its best wishes for the global space community's continued success in lunar exploration.
