XRISM geomagnetic aspect sensor

The X-Ray Imaging and Spectroscopy Mission (XRISM) will observe the most energetic objects and events in the cosmos. In doing so, it will unveil the evolution of the Universe and the structure of spacetime. XRISM is a collaboration between the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and NASA, with significant participation from ESA.

This image is a 3D visualisation of one of XRISM’s two ‘geomagnetic aspect sensors’, which act as magnetic compasses. They sense Earth’s magnetic field so that the spacecraft can be oriented accordingly. They are each about the size of a mobile phone and weigh about 300 g.