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After Stellar Launch, X-ray Observatory Sends Pictures of Itself
By Daniel Sorid
Staff Writer
posted: 12:48 pm ET
13 December 1999
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xmm_firstpixThe European Space Agency's (ESA) $689 million X-ray Multi-Mirror observatory has sent back its first images -- of itself. The spacecraft, known as the XMM, lifted off December 10 aboard an Ariane 5 rocket in what the ESA called a "faultless launch". The craft is now firing its thrusters to place itself into a proper orbit. The XMM's first images were taken by two micro-cameras on the exterior of the craft. 
This picture, taken five hours after launch, shows the telescope tube and a solar array. 
This image, also taken five hours after launch, shows another solar array. The XMM is 10 meters, or about 30 feet long. 
"It was an incredible launch."
The XMM was placed so close to its target location that the fuel it will save on correction burns could extend its mission life from 10 to 20 years, according to the ESA. "It was an incredible launch, it went so well," said Antonio Rodota, director general of the ESA, at a post-launch press conference. "For XMM now, it is the beginning of a new story." 
The launch of the XMM By early spring, the XMM is expected to be fully operational for its scientific mission. The XMM is five times more sensitive than NASA's own X-ray telescope, Chandra. But the latter has a sharper view. | | | The first images from the $689 million XMM show its telescope tube andsolar panels. | 
The craft's December 10th launch was so good, the ESA says, that fuel saved on correction burns could double the life of the mission. | The ESA calls the XMM a complement to Chandra.
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