The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) confirmed the completion of a sequence of important operations of the X-ray Astronomy Satellite "Hitomi" (ASTRO-H), including turning the cooling system on, test operation of the Soft X-ray Spectrometer (SXS), and extending the Extensible Optical Bench (EOB). With this confirmation, the critical operation phase(*1) of Hitomi was completed.

Hitomi is now in a stable condition.

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JAXA | X-ray Astronomy Satellite "Hitomi" (ASTRO-H) Completion of Critical Operation Phase