X-ray Multimirror Mission: an overview

David H. Lumb; H. Eggel; Robert Laine; Anthony J. Peacock

doi:10.1117/12.256009

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31 October 1996 X-ray Multimirror Mission: an overview

David H. Lumb, H. Eggel, Robert Laine, Anthony J. Peacock

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Proceedings Volume 2808, EUV, X-Ray, and Gamma-Ray Instrumentation for Astronomy VII; (1996) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.256009
Event: SPIE's 1996 International Symposium on Optical Science, Engineering, and Instrumentation, 1996, Denver, CO, United States

Abstract

The x-ray multi-mirror mission (XMM) is the second cornerstone mission of the ESA Horizon 2000 Science Programme. When launched in late 1999 it will provide a world-class observatory facility for x-tray astronomers. This paper describes the overall concept of the mission, including the spacecraft bus, the instruments and the innovative replicated optics that produce images of better than 20 arcsecs half energy width, and a total geometric collection area of more than 4500 cm². The observatory is unique in that it will provide simultaneously, high throughput non-dispersive spectroscopic imaging (EPIC instrument), medium resolution dispersive spectroscopy (reflection grating spectrometer) and optical/UV imaging and timing from a co-aligned instrument (optical monitor). We describe some of the operational aspects and provide a brief description of the scientific potential of the payload.

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David H. Lumb, H. Eggel, Robert Laine, and Anthony J. Peacock "X-ray Multimirror Mission: an overview", Proc. SPIE 2808, EUV, X-Ray, and Gamma-Ray Instrumentation for Astronomy VII, (31 October 1996); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.256009

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