The cryogenic system for XRISM developed by SUMITOMO HEAVY INDUSTRIES,LTD. has reportedly achieved its required service life of 3 years since launch. As a result, XRISM's extended operating period is expected to continue through March 2030, supporting scientific observations of space.
The cooling system of XRISM's Resolve instrument is designed to maintain ultralow temperatures and improve the energy resolution of its microcalorimeter. The adiabatic demagnetization refrigerator, two-stage Stirling refrigerator, 4K Joule-Thomson refrigerator and drive electronics used for cooling are configured to maintain an extremely low temperature of approximately 0.05 degrees above absolute zero over an extended period.
XRISM was originally designed for a 3-year mission. Following a scientific review by the Space Science Committee, extended operations continued after 7 September 2026, with an extension through March 2030 approved. This is expected to allow continued investigation of the flow of matter and energy in celestial objects through X-ray spectroscopy and imaging using the instrument.
The Xtend instrument, whose development also involved the company, continues to operate stably. Expectations are high for the future operation of the cryogenic system supporting XRISM's scientific observations.