(Photograph) - December 12 1999: XMM (X-ray Multi-Mirror), the biggest x-ray satellite ever built, blasts into orbit. At the heart of the detection system are charge-coupled devices (CCDs) like those in video cameras, linked to huge mirrors. By monitoring x-ray emissions from remote corners of the universe, scientists can map the edges of space, or as one scientist puts it: “the screams of pain when matter is being shredded in black holes”. European Space Agency: http:sci.esa.intmissionsxmm
