The topic at one workshop, for example, was X-ray astronomy, based on the Chandra and XMM-Newton X-ray observatories, fully meeting all the criteria.

CDS contributes to the X-Ray Multi-Mirror (XMM) mission Survey Science Centre, with the High-Energy Team at the Strasbourg Astronomical Observatory.

In addition, the two institutions have been involved in the research and development of a low-cost, reusable passive particle collector and in the analysis of laboratory-impacted surfaces simulating potential impact events upon the XMM-Newton X-ray Observatory.

Since 2001, in conjunction with the United Nations/European Space Agency workshops on basic space science, the Committee on Space Research and the International Astronomical Union have organized annual regional workshops for astronomers and space scientists on data processing from the Chandra and XMM-Newton space missions.

Those studies relate: (a) to impacts on honeycomb satellite structures; (b) to impacts on carbon (carbon fibre reinforced plastics (CFRP))-based satellite structures; and (c) to very oblique impacts (85 and 89 degrees) on the mirror of the XMM-Newton mission.

Information furnished in conformity with the Convention on Registration of Objects Launched into Outer Space Letter dated 27 September 2000 from the Legal Adviser of the European Space Agency to the Secretary-General In conformity with the Convention on Registration of Objects Launched into Outer Space,* to which the European Space Agency has acceded, the European Space Agency has the honour to transmit information on the launching of its XMM and Cluster satellites (see annex). Annex Registration of objects launched into outer space* Name of space object: XMM Name of launching authority: ESA Designator: ESA/99/1 Date of launch: 10 December 1999 Location of launch site: Kourou (French Guiana) Orbital parameters: Apogee height: 114,000 kilometres Perigee height: 7,000 kilometers Inclination: 40.0 degrees Period: 2,872 minutes Argument of perigee: 50 degrees RA of the ascending node: 261 degrees Position on the geostationary orbit (deg E): Not applicable General description of the space object: The main scientific goal of the XMM mission (consisting of 1 satellite called Newton) is to perform X-ray spectroscopy. Frequency plan: Earth-space: 2048.85417 MHz (TC/TR) Space-Earth: 2225.00000 MHz (TM/TR) State of jurisdiction: … Other information: … Name of space object: Cluster II Name of launching authority: ESA Designator: ESA/00/1-4 Date of launch: 9 August 2000 Location of launch site: Baikonur Orbital parameters: Apogee height: 125,010 kilometres Perigee height: 25,513 kilometers Inclination: 90.0 degrees Period: 3,300 minutes Argument of perigee: 344 degrees RA of the ascending node: 256 degrees Position on the geostationary orbit (deg E): Not applicable General description of the space object: The Cluster II mission consists of 4 satellites (named Rumba, Tango, Salsa and Samba) flying in a close configuration (“cluster”). Their scientific goal is to explore, amongst other subjects, the solar wind and its influence on climatic effects on Earth. Frequency plan: Earth-space: 2070.95417 MHz (TC/TR) 2077.40000 MHz (TC/TR) 2090.29167 MHz (TC/TR) 2096.73750 MHz (TC/TR) Space-Earth: 2249.05000 MHz (TM/TR) 2256.00000 MHz (TM/TR) 2270.00000 MHz (TM/TR) 2277.00000 MHz (TM/TR) State of jurisdiction: … Other information: … * General Assembly resolution 3235 (XXIX), annex, of 12 November 1974.

Concerning the educational area, some training and dissemination activities have been carried out or are under way: the EDUCA SeRe Project, for the development of remote sensing teaching in the basic and high school levels using CBERS images; a course for schoolteachers (IV Course on Remote Sensing for Environmental Applications); an Introduction to Astronomy and Astrophysics; the II Remote Sensing Data Users Meeting at the National Institute for Space Research (INPE)/Cuiabá, with a lecture on the EDUCA SeRe Project; responsibility for technical advice to the Space Bus Project, designed for students at the grammar school and high school levels; the annual Space School course, from 3 to 13 November 2001 at INPE; local organization of the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR) Regional Workshop for Latin American Data Processing from the Chandra and XMM-Newton Space Missions from 4 to 13 December 2001, INPE.