A Japanese H-2A rocket flying in its 202 configuration has carried two satellites, a space telescope and a Lunar lander, into orbit. The mission lifted-off from the Tanegashima Space Center, southern Japan, at 2342 GMT on 6 September.
The MHI-built H-2A rocket lifting-off from Tanegashima. Courtesy: JAXA/MHI
The larger payload carried is the XRISM (X-Ray Imaging and Spectroscopy Mission) astronomical space telescope. This satellite is reported to weigh ~2,300 kg and will perform X-ray astronomy on behalf of JAXA and international partners including NASA and ESA. Its planned orbit is at approximately 550 km at 31 degrees inclination.
The other payload carried on this mission is a Lunar lander called SLIM (Smart Lander for Investigating Moon). A Japanese mission to test precision landing technologies and techniques for the benefit of future missions.
