JAXA

Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) has launched an x-ray astronomy satellite ASTRO-H into space onboard a H-IIA rocket from the country’s Tanegashima Space Center.

Approximately 14 minutes and 15 seconds after liftoff, the H-IIA rocket released ASTRO-H and placed it 580km above the Earth’s surface.

Astro-H is JAXA’s sixth satellite dedicated to the study of x-ray astronomy and is capable of observing x-ray sources, such as galaxy clusters and neutron stars more than ten times fainter than its predecessor, Suzaku.

The satellite carried four x-ray telescopes and two gamma-ray detectors to study high-energy occurrences in space, including superheated material falling into a black hole and the evolution of huge galaxy clusters.

JAXA said in a statement: "The success marked the 30th milestone launch of the H-IIA, and the launch success rate reached almost 97%.

"The success marked the 30th milestone launch of the H-IIA, and the launch success rate reached almost 97%."

"In addition, the last ten launches lifted off on time (except for some launch delays due to weather factors), and that has proved the high reliability and quality of the H-IIA launch vehicle.

"We can and will respond to demands of launch service users with confidence and high reliability."

The launch was initially planned last week, but was postponed due to bad weather.

Currently stabled at its orbital position, ASTRO-H is yet to complete its critical operation phase, which includes a period from the separation from the launch vehicle until the establishment of the stable operation in space.

JAXA’s mission is in partnership with Nasa along with the European Space Agency (ESA), Canadian Space Agency (CSA), Netherlands Institute for Space Research and universities in Japan, Europe and North America.

Image: ASTRO-H was successfully launched. Photo: courtesy of JAXA.