Overview of ESA study activities on XEUS

摘要

The XEUS (X-ray Evolving Universe Spectroscopy) proposal has been recently selected by the science advisory structure of the European Space Agency as an L-class candidate mission. On this basis, XEUS will undergo an assessment study, in line with the Cosmic Vision 2015-2025 selection process. The mission would represent a follow-up to XMM-Newton, providing a next generation X-ray observatory at disposal of the astrophysics community. The paper provides an overview of the recent study activities performed by ESA, including a critical review of the main requirements and a discussion on the associated impact at system level. The model payload presently considered for XEUS is also presented, as well as the technology developments needs.