Overview

The X-ray Imaging and Spectroscopy Mission (XRISM) is an international X-ray observation mission launched on September 7, 2023. The mission is led by the Institute of Space and Astronautical Science (ISAS) in collaboration with NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA), and numerous research institutions both domestically and internationally. XRISM aims to achieve cutting-edge scientific discoveries.

The primary objective of XRISM is to accurately measure the elements and velocities of the hot gas, or "plasma," that flows between galaxies and stars. This detailed understanding will help elucidate the large-scale structure formation of stars, galaxies, and galaxy clusters.

The satellite weighs 2.3 tons and orbits the Earth at an altitude of approximately 550 km. It is equipped with two main instruments: the ultra-low-temperature soft X-ray spectrometer (Resolve) and the wide-field soft X-ray imager (Xtend).

Observation Instruments

Resolve

Resolve is an X-ray spectrometer cooled to near absolute zero. This microcalorimeter X-ray spectrometer measures the energy of X-rays with very high precision, allowing the determination of the types and concentrations of elements in the plasma, as well as the plasma's motion.

Xtend

Xtend is an X-ray imaging spectrometer with a wide field of view of 38x38 arcminutes, utilizing a CCD camera. It measures the intensity and position of X-rays from celestial bodies with high precision, enabling detailed investigation of the distribution and structure of plasma over a wide area.

Achievements

Since XRISM began its observations recently, its achievements are still limited. However, early observations have yielded precise energy spectra from the supernova remnant N132D. Future expected outcomes include new insights into the processes of star and galaxy formation and evolution, as well as the large-scale structure of the universe.