Abstract
Since its launch in 2002, ESA's INTErnational Gamma-Ray Astrophysics Laboratory (INTEGRAL) has been observing the high-energy sky simultaneously in gamma-rays, Xrays and visible light with a performance far exceeding design specifications. Even after 11 years in orbit, which is six years beyond the design lifetime, INTEGRAL is still the most sensitive gamma ray observatory in space. It provides the worldwide astronomical community with an unprecedented combination of imaging and spectroscopic gammaray capabilities together with simultaneous X-ray and optical monitoring. All prime units are still in use, no major failures have occurred and the degradation of spacecraft components is minimal. Due to INTEGRAL’s unique capabilities, its almost uninterrupted observing time as well as the nearly flawless operations, the interest from the scientific community in observing with INTEGRAL remains very high. The remaining, lifetime-limiting fuel on board would even allow for another decade of operations.
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