Disassembled XMM spacecraft at ESTEC test facility

The XMM spacecraft, taken apart for transport, just before reintegration of the two parts. At the lower left the so-called service module, on which the entrance windows of the various telescopes and also the solar paddles will be mounted; in the upper right the other end of the spacecraft, which holds the focal plane instruments.

Photo courtesy of D. de Chambure (XMM Project Team, ESTEC).