Japan postpones launch of a space telescope and a small lunar lander mission

A Japanese rocket was scheduled to 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. <br><br><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/27/science/japan-space-launch-xrism-slim.html?smid=spacecal">However the launch here was postponed because of poor weather.</a> The Times will provide an updated launch schedule when one becomes available.