The high throughput X-ray spectroscopy mission: XMM

Abstract

The high throughput X-ray astrophysics mission is the second cornerstone in ESA's long term space science programme. The long duration observatory consists of a high throughput facility for cosmic X-ray spectroscopy. The mission is due for launch in 1998 with an anticipated lifetime of over ten years. The basic mission including the model payload is described and the capability of the observatory to tackle some of the more important scientific priorities are highlighted. This observatory will therefore enable major advances in X-ray astrophysics to be made at the turn of the century.