Japan could launch a space telescope and a small lunar lander mission

A Japanese rocket could launch the X-Ray Imaging and Spectroscopy Mission, or XRISM (pronounced chrism), a space observatory that uses X-ray spectroscopy to study plasma in space. The telescope will help scientists better understand the composition of the universe and how it was formed. Along for the ride will be a moon mission called SLIM, the Smart Lander for Investigating Moon. The 420-pound spacecraft will test lunar landing techniques for future missions. <span>The launch was rescheduled from earlier this year after </span><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/06/science/japan-rocket-h3-launch.html?smid=spacecal">a Japanese rocket’s failure in flight</a><span>. It will be Aug. 27 in Japan when the launch is currently scheduled to occur.</span>