SRON contributes to the launch of XRISM

September 8, 2023 | Leiden Convention Bureau

The Dutch space research institute SRON in Leiden has contributed to the launch of the XRISM X-ray telescope. This contribution was made possible by additional funding from the Netherlands Space Office. In the early morning of September 7, it was launched aboard the JAXA H-IIA rocket from Tanegashima, Japan. SRON in Leiden developed the filter wheel for the calibration system as part of their contribution. The filter wheel essentially functions as sunglasses for the telescope's camera. It serves for various purposes, including reducing intense X-ray radiation. In collaboration with the Dutch company Photonis, SRON created an X-ray source that continuously monitors the telescope's detector.

This is not the first time that SRON has contributed to similar projects. In the past, they have, for instance, contributed to the ESA telescope XMM-Newton and the NASA mission Chandra. SRON has also played a role in the development of the X-ray telescope ATHENA.

Furthermore, this lunar mission presents a unique opportunity for SRON to be part of it. This allows SRON to leverage their expertise and innovation in the field of space research, directly contributing to this lunar mission through Leiden's space research.

If you would like to learn more about SRON and their research, please visit their website.

Read the NOS article on the launch here.