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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This image shows 203 foils assembled on the X-ray Mirror Assembly XMA. X-rays are not measurable by classical telescope mirrors since they pass through them. To measure X-rays, XRISM will use a cylindrical construction of thin foils with small incident angles. The collecting area of the telescope is increased by adding many layers of those foils. Each of XRISM’s mirror assembly focuses X-rays onto a scientific instrument 5.6 metres away.