# XMM-Newton > ESA space observatory **Wikidata**: [Q693861](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q693861) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/XMM-Newton) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/xmm-newton ## Summary XMM-Newton is an ESA space observatory, specifically a space telescope that observes distant celestial objects using X-ray technology. ## Key Facts - Operated by the European Space Agency (ESA) - Launched on December 10, 1999, aboard an Ariane 5G rocket from ELA-3 - Has a launch weight of 3,764 kilograms and a dry weight of 3,234 kilograms - Measures 16.16 meters in width (spacecraft solar array) and 10.8 meters in length - Capital cost was 689 million euros as of 1999 - Part of the Horizon 2000 program - Scientific instrument is a Wolter telescope of type I - Powered by spacecraft solar arrays and nickel-cadmium batteries ## FAQs ### Q: When was XMM-Newton launched? A: It was launched on December 10, 1999, at 14:32:07 UTC. ### Q: What is the mass of the XMM-Newton spacecraft? A: The launch weight was 3,764 kilograms and the dry weight was 3,234 kilograms. ### Q: What is XMM-Newton's primary function? A: It is an X-ray telescope designed to observe distant celestial objects. ## Why It Matters XMM-Newton represents a significant advancement in X-ray astronomy, providing unprecedented sensitivity and resolution for studying cosmic X-ray sources. Its large collecting area and long observation times have enabled detailed studies of black holes, neutron stars, and galaxy clusters, contributing substantially to our understanding of the universe's most energetic phenomena. The mission has revolutionized our knowledge of X-ray emitting objects across cosmic scales, from nearby stellar systems to distant active galaxies and supermassive black holes. ## Notable For - It is the most sensitive X-ray telescope ever launched, with a collecting area 10 times larger than its predecessors - The Wolter telescope design provides high angular resolution and efficient X-ray collection - Its long operational lifetime has resulted in over 3,000 scientific publications - The mission has discovered numerous new X-ray sources and provided detailed observations of known objects - It operates in a highly elliptical orbit, allowing it to observe sources that would be obscured by Earth's atmosphere ## Body ### Technical Specifications XMM-Newton features a Wolter telescope of type I as its primary scientific instrument, which provides high angular resolution and efficient X-ray collection. The spacecraft is powered by both spacecraft solar arrays and nickel-cadmium batteries, with the solar arrays providing 1,600 watts of power. ### Development and Construction The XMM-Newton project was part of ESA's Horizon 2000 program. Development began in 1994 with the selection of Dornier as the general contractor. The spacecraft was constructed between 1997 and 1999, with testing completed by September 1999. The mission entered service on July 1, 2000. ### Launch and Operations XMM-Newton was launched on December 10, 1999, aboard an Ariane 5G rocket from the ELA-3 launch pad. The spacecraft was placed into a highly elliptical orbit that allows it to observe sources above Earth's atmosphere. The mission has operated continuously since its service entry, providing extensive observations of X-ray emitting celestial objects. ### Scientific Impact Since its launch, XMM-Newton has made numerous significant scientific discoveries, including detailed studies of black hole accretion disks, neutron star properties, and the hot intergalactic medium. The mission has contributed to our understanding of galaxy evolution, cosmic X-ray background, and the physics of extreme environments in the universe. Its data has been used by thousands of astronomers worldwide, making it one of the most productive space observatories in history. ## References 1. [Source](https://www.esa.int/esapub/br/br250/br250.pdf) 2. Jonathan's Space Report 3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 4. Universe X-rayed and British science honoured 5. [Source](https://heasarc.gsfc.nasa.gov/docs/xmm/xmmhp_whatsnew.html)