ESA's XMM [X-ray Multi-Mirror Observatory] is set for launch by Ariane 5 on December 9th 1999. The most sensitive X-ray satellite yet, it will carry three advanced X-ray telescopes that will look at millions of X-ray sources in the Universe. Each telescope bears 58 high-precision mirrors which reflect X-rays onto sensors - giving XMM capacity for long, uninterrupted observations at very high levels of sensitivity.
This index provides a background to XMM's pre-launch campaign, and is organised as follows: construction footage, arrival of XMM at Kourou, Ariane 5 launch, XMM graphics, CSG/Kourou atmosphere shots.

10:00:00 ESA opening titles
10:00:41 mcs engineer seen through tubular XMM mirror
10:00:46 ms XMM mirror on rotating stand to show X-ray reflecting surface
10:00:52 cs XMM mirror unit, zo to la ls unit on winch
10:01:08 cs XMM multimirror arrangement, zo to ms
10:01:17 ws engineers work on lower end of suspended XMM to show triple multimirror telescope arrangement
10:01:23 pan down XMM on rotating stand
10:01:34 la ms XMM on rotating stand, engineer enters frame from lhs then exits
10:01:42 mls XMM vibration testing
10:01:48 ws engineer suspended in harness closes XMM hatch
10:02:03 gvs' working on XMM detail
10:02:35 crowd cutaway
10:02:00 gvs' transporting XMM on rollers
10:03:08 gvs' lorries carry cases bearing XMM components from MN Toucan vessel at Kourou Harbour
10:04:40 gvs' convoy makes its way to Guiana Space Centre [CSG], Kourou
10:05:09 cs assembly building at CSG, zo to ms
10:05:15 gvs' XMM raised upright in assembly building
10:06:11 gvs' launch of Ariane 503 from CSG, October 20