About Suzaku

Suzaku (formerly Astro-E2) is a satellite for studying X-rays emitted by stars, galaxies, and black holes. It is a joint project between Japan and the US, and was launched on July 10, 2005.

The Suzaku Learning Center is meant for high school students and teachers, and for curious adults. We explain why we have built this satellite. We also show how the instruments works. We outline what we hope to discover with Suzaku, and will add actual discoveries once the satellite starts taking data. We'd like you to get to know the people behind this project, too.

In this section of the Learning Center, you can find:

• Overview - What is Suzaku, and what is it supposed to do?
• Mission History - How did this project get started? There is a sad reason why the satellite used to be called Astro-E2.
• Milestones to Launch - What were the major steps for Suzaku up to the successful launc?
• Kevin's Kagoshima Journal: Episode II - Dr. Kevin Boyce's personal account of activities at the launch site. (See also The XRS Road Trip, the journey from US to Japan to space, as seen by the XRS)

Elsewhere in the Suzaku Learning Center, you will find more details. Use the navigation links at the top and the bottom of each page to move to different section of our site. Enjoy!