The Twin Mission: XRISM and SPIN Dual Launch

Discover the ins and outs of the engineering behind the mission that’s set to reveal the secrets of the universe through X-rays.

Launch Details

• Scheduled launch time: 09:34 JST on August 27, 2023 [03:34 Nigerian Time (WAT — West Africa Time)].
• Launch vehicle: H-IIA Launch Vehicle №47 (H-IIA F47).
• Launch site: Tanegashima Space Center in Japan.
• XRISM to launch into low Earth orbit.
• SLIM’s to land on the Moon.

H-IIA Rocket:

• H-IIA rocket chosen for the missions.
• Demonstrated success: Over 30 missions completed.
• Selected for 47th launch to carry XRISM and SLIM missions.

Credit: SpaceFlight Insider

Mission Objectives

X-Ray Imaging and Spectroscopy Mission (XRISM):

• XRISM investigates celestial X-ray objects using high-throughput imaging and high-resolution spectroscopy.
• Led by JAXA in collaboration with partners like NASA and ESA.
• Aims to explore the hottest regions, largest structures, and objects with strong gravity in the universe.

Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM):

• Developed by JAXA to demonstrate precise lunar landing technology.
• Japan’s first lunar surface mission.
• Contributes to understanding lunar origins and surface characteristics.

Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM); credit: JAXA

Scientific Importance

XRISM Mission:

• XRISM’s X-ray spectroscopy deepens understanding of the universe’s structure and evolution.
• Investigates celestial X-ray objects with high-resolution imaging.
• Scientific enigmas to investigate include the assembly of galaxy clusters, chemical makeup of the universe, and the extremes of spacetime.

SLIM Mission:

• SLIM’s precise landing near Marius Hills Hole offers insights into lunar geology and lava tube formations.
• Potential to reveal the Moon’s geological history and the possibility of sheltered habitats.

Marius Hills and a Hole in the Moon; Credit: NASA Science

Overall Significance:

• Both missions expand knowledge of the cosmos and the Moon.
• Scientific breakthroughs and improved understanding of the universe and our role within it.

Technology

XRISM Instruments:

• XRISM employs two complementary instruments: Resolve and Xtend.
• Resolve is a high-resolution X-ray spectrometer.
• Xtend is a high-throughput X-ray imager.
• Resolve operates at extremely low temperatures for precise spectroscopic measurements.
• Xtend, Soft X-ray Telescope for Imager (SXT-I), and Soft X-ray Telescope for Spectrometer (SXT-S) are crucial for XRISM’s X-ray observations.

SLIM Instruments:

• Navigation cameras, LiDAR, and onboard computers are used for precision landing.
• To utilize this technology inspired by facial recognition for crater identification.
• Relies on observation data from the SELENE (Kaguya) lunar orbiter to determine its position.
• To showcase accurate landing techniques using lightweight exploration systems.

credit: JAXA

Previous Missions and Advances Prior to XRISM and SLIM

• XRISM builds upon advanced technologies from previous JAXA missions, such as the Hitomi telescope that lost contact in 2016.
• Before SLIM, Japan had attempted a moon landing with the lunar lander “Hakuto,” which carried a mini lunar rover.
• It lost communication moments before touchdown.

Hakuto; Credit: The New York Times

Future Implications

XRISM Mission:

• High-resolution imaging and spectroscopy data from XRISM.
• Potential to advance knowledge of celestial X-ray objects.
• Understanding phenomena like black holes, neutron stars, and cosmic explosions.
• Implications for future space missions and telescopes.

SLIM Mission:

• SLIM’s precision landing technology demonstration.
• Potential for safer and more accurate lunar landings.
• Beneficial for upcoming lunar missions.

Hitomi Telescope: Credit: Kosmonautix

Data Analysis and Predictive Analytics:

• Advancements in data analysis and predictive analytics.
• Applicability to space missions for better decision-making and resource allocation.

AI and Machine Learning:

• Data contributing to AI and machine learning.
• Enabling sophisticated understanding of space phenomena.
• Supporting technology development.

Overall Impact:

• Collected data’s profound implications for space exploration and technology.
• Advancing our understanding of the universe.
• Potential to inform future missions, improve lunar landings, and enhance decision-making.

“I believe we are meant to explore, to push the boundaries of what’s possible.” — Gravity (2013)

Resources

X-ray Imaging and Spectroscopy Mission (XRISM)

JAXA | Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM)