Speaker
Description
The Cosmic X-ray Background (CXB) traces the integrated energy released by black hole accretion across cosmic history, primarily from Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN). The Cosmic X-ray Background Explorer (CXBe) aims to measure the CXB spectrum with unprecedented ~1% accuracy, an order of magnitude improvement over the current ~15-20% uncertainties. This advancement will refine synthesis models and enhance our understanding of AGN populations, particularly regarding their obscuration and X-ray reflection properties. The CXBe mission has been endorsed for deployment on the Chinese Space Station (CSS) and recently secured funding for Phase A/B1 prototype studies. Two key system requirements will be addressed: (1) developing a long-lifetime rotating system capable of stable multi-year operation, and (2) achieving quasi-absolute detector calibration at the ~1% level. These efforts, supported by Swiss contributions and in collaboration with Chinese partners, will accelerate mission development, with a CSS launch targeted within this decade. In this presentation, I will introduce CXBe's science objectives, outline the current status, and discuss its prospects for the coming years.
| Collaboration(s) | CXBe |
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