XMM is in Space, Doing Fine, and Taking Self-portraits

XMM was launched aboard Ariane 5 rocket No. 504 on Friday, 10 Dec. at 9:32 AM. The ascent was nominal and the satellite was deployed sucessfully. This launch marked the first commercial payload for the Ariane 5. XMM has since taken photos of itself in space using two micro-cameras placed on the exterior of the spacecraft’s focal plane assembly.

° XMM takes pictures of itself!, ESA Press Release

° XMM in safe hands , ESA press release

° NASA to support ESA’s XMM mission, NASA GSFC press release

° Europe’s latest space telescope is off to a good start, ESA press release

° Live Video (replays) of the Launch (Quicktime) from Arianespace

° Live Video (replays) of the Launch (RealVideo) from ESA

° ESA’s XMM website

° Launch of ESA’s XMM telescope on Ariane 504, ESA press release

° Green light for XMM launch on 10 December, ESA press release