Space-Study Satellite Launched by Japanese

Scientists launched a satellite Thursday to probe such space mysteries as black holes and neutron stars, space officials said.

The satellite, called Astro-C, will orbit the earth at a height of 480 miles, making one complete journey every 90 minutes. It will remain aloft for three years, said Hiroki Matsuo of the Kagoshima Space Center in southern Japan, which launched the box-shaped, 900-pound satellite.

The Astro-C is carrying advanced X-ray monitoring equipment to detect black holes and other sources of X-ray emissions.

A black hole is a remnant of a giant star that by collapsing produces a gravitational field so strong that matter and light cannot escape.