On Their Way!

A pair of scientific satellites with widely differerent goals launches from Japan on September 7 (Japanese time). XRISM (X-Ray Imaging and Spectroscopic Mission) will study the universe at X-ray wavelengths. That will reveal details about black holes, exploding stars, and other powerful events. It also will examine the chemistry of the universe and the growth of galaxy clusters, which are the largest structures in the universe. Its companion, SLIM (Smart Lander for Investigating Moon), is a technology demonstrator that is designed to make a pinpoint lunar landing. It should enter lunar orbit around the end of the year, and land a month or two later. If successful, it would make Japan the fifth nation to land on the Moon, following the Soviet Union, United States, China, and India. [JAXA]