The European Space Agency (ESA) is Europe’s gateway to space. Its mission is to shape the development of Europe’s space capability and ensure that investment in space continues to deliver benefits to the citizens of Europe and the world.
Find out more about space activities in our 23 Member States, and understand how ESA works together with their national agencies, institutions and organisations.
Exploring our Solar System and unlocking the secrets of the Universe
Go to topicProtecting life and infrastructure on Earth and in orbit
Go to topicUsing space to benefit citizens and meet future challenges on Earth
Go to topicMaking space accessible and developing the technologies for the future
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XMM's first flight model (FM1) mirror module, completed and tested in the spring of 1997, shows 58 concentric X-ray focusing mirrors made of gold-plated nickel and secured by radial spiders. The largest mirror has an aperture of 70 cm. Together, the multiple mirrors capture 60 percent of the X-rays entering from the field of view. [Image Date: 01-01-97] [97.11.018-001]