S-520-28 Rocket (IMAGE) Hokkaido University Caption The researchers simulated supernova conditions by sending a rocket into sub-orbit where it was mostly free from the effect of gravity. The S-520-28 rocket was launched from JAXA's Uchinoura Space Center on Dec. 17, 2012. In the three years to follow, the researchers conducted additional micro-gravity experiments using aircraft to gather and analyze data. Credit Kimura Y., et al., Pure iron grains are rare in the universe. <i>Science Advances</i>, Jan. 18, 2017. Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.