Artist’s rendition of the Astro-H “Hitomi” satellite. Photo: JAXA

[Via Satellite 03-28-2016] The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) reports that its Astro-H X-ray astronomy satellite, also called “Hitomi,” failed from the start of its operation originally scheduled at 16:40, Saturday March 26 (JST). Astro-H launched Feb. 17, 2016 aboard an H2A rocket. The agency reports it has not been able to figure out the state of the satellite’s health, though it did send a short signal.

JAXA is currently working on a recovery, and is investigating the cause of the malfunction. The U.S. Joint Space Operations Center (JSpOC) identified debris related to the Astro-H satellite on March 26 and March 27 from what are believed to be unrelated events.