The status of the XEUS x-ray observatory mission

Marcos Bavdaz; David Lumb; Lothar Gerlach; Arvind Parmar; Anthony Peacock

doi:10.1117/12.616777

18 August 2005 Status of the XEUS x-ray observatory mission

Marcos Bavdaz, David Lumb, Lothar Gerlach, Arvind Parmar, Anthony Peacock

Proceedings Volume 5898, UV, X-Ray, and Gamma-Ray Space Instrumentation for Astronomy XIV; 58980A (2005) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.616777
Event: Optics and Photonics 2005, 2005, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

The X-ray Evolving Universe Spectroscopy (XEUS) mission [1,2] is under study by ESA and JAXA in preparation for inclusion in the ESA long term Science Programme (the Cosmic Vision 2015-2025 long-term plan). With very demanding science requirements, missions such as XEUS can only be implemented for acceptable costs, if new technologies and concepts are applied. The identification of the key technologies to be developed is one of the drivers for the early mission design studies, and in the case of XEUS this has led to the development of a novel approach to building X-ray optics for ambitious future high-energy astrophysics missions [3,4]. XEUS is based on a single focal plane formation flying configuration, building on a novel lightweight X-ray mirror technology. With a 50 m focal length and an effective area of 10 m² at 1 keV this observatory is optimized for studies of the evolution of the X-ray universe at moderate to high redshifts. This paper describes the current status of the XEUS mission design, the accommodation of the large optics, the corresponding deployment sequence and the associated drivers, in particular regarding the thermal design of the ystem. The main results were obtained in two Concurrent Design Facility (CDF) studies and other internal activities at ESTEC.

Citation Download Citation

Marcos Bavdaz, David Lumb, Lothar Gerlach, Arvind Parmar, and Anthony Peacock "Status of the XEUS x-ray observatory mission", Proc. SPIE 5898, UV, X-Ray, and Gamma-Ray Space Instrumentation for Astronomy XIV, 58980A (18 August 2005); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.616777

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