The Esa High Throughput X-Ray Spectroscopy Mission Xmm Status Of The Optics & Focal Plane Instruments

The High Throughput X-ray Spectroscopy Mission XMM is the second cornerstone in ESA's long term space science programme and is due for launch in 1998. This long duration observatory for X-ray astrophysics has at its heart three heavily nested Wolter 1 grazing incidence X-ray mirror modules, which will provide a dramatic increase in collecting area over previous and contempory missions. This large aperture when coupled with an optics spatial resolution of between 15 to 30 arc sec (HEW) and sensitive X-ray cameras and spectrometers will allow a major advance in astrophysics at the turn of the century. The development programme for the X-ray optics is described and recent results presented. A detailed description of the focal plane instrumentation is also provided. The selection of this payload has just been approved by ESA's Science Programme Committee.