The enhanced X-ray Timing and Polarimetry mission—eXTP for launch in 2030

Zhang, S. -N.; Santangelo, A.; Xu, Y.; Feng, H.; Lu, F.; Chen, Y.; Ge, M.; Nandra, K.; Wu, X.; Feroci, M.; Hernanz, M.; Liu, C.; He, H.; Wang, Y.; Jiang, W.; Cui, W.; Yang, Y.; Wang, J.; Li, W.; Li, H.; Du, Y.; Liu, X.; Meng, B.; Wen, X.; Zhang, A.; Ma, J.; Li, M.; Li, G.; Qi, L.; Sun, J.; Luo, T.; Liu, H.; Liu, X.; Zhang, F.; Luo, L.; Zhu, Y.; Zhao, Z.; Sun, L.; Yang, X.; Wu, Q.; Jiang, J.; Shi, H.; Liu, J.; Xu, Y.; Yang, S.; Zhang, L.; Han, D.; Gao, N.; Huo, J.; Zhang, Z.; Wang, H.; Zhao, X.; Wang, S.; Li, Z.; Bao, Z.; Liu, Y.; Wang, K.; Wang, N.; Wang, B.; Wang, L.; Wang, D.; Ding, F.; Sheng, L.; Qiang, P.; Yan, Y.; Liu, Y.; Wu, Z.; Liu, Y.; Chen, H.; Zhang, Y.; Liu, H.; Altmann, A.; Bechteler, T.; Burwitz, V.; Fiorini, C.; Friedrich, P.; Meidinger, N.; Strecker, R.; Baldini, L.; Bellazzini, R.; Bonino, R.; Frassa, A.; Latronico, L.; Maldera, S.; Manfreda, A.; Minuti, M.; Pesce-Rollins, M.; Sgro, C.; Tugliani, S.; Pareschi, G.; Basso, S.; Sironi, G.; Spiga, D.; Tagliaferri, G.; Tykhonov, A.; Paltani, S.; Bozzo, E.; Tenzer, C.; Bayer, J.; Tuo, Y.; Liu, H.; Zhang, Y.; Cai, Z.; Liu, H.; Chen, W.; Wang, C.; He, T.; Chen, Y.; Qiu, C.; Zhang, Y.; Feng, J.; Zhu, X.; Zhou, H.; Zheng, S.; Song, L.; Wang, J.; Jia, S.; Jiang, Z.; Li, X.; Zhao, H.; Guan, J.; Zhang, J.; Li, C.; Huang, Y.; Liao, J.; You, Y.; Zhang, H.; Wang, W.; Wang, S.; Ou, G.; Hu, H.; Shi, J.; Cui, T.; Jiang, X.; Cheng, Y.; Li, H.; Xu, Y.; Zane, S.; Bambi, C.; Bu, Q.; Dall'Osso, S.; Rosa, A. D.; Gou, L.; Guillot, S.; Ji, L.; Li, A.; Mao, J.; Patruno, A.; Stratta, G.; Taverna, R.; Tsygankov, S.; Uttley, P.; Watts, A. L.; Wu, X.; Xu, R.; Yi, S.; Zhang, G.; Zhang, L.; Zhao, W.; Zhou, P.

doi:10.1007/s11433-025-2786-6

In this paper, we present the current status of the enhanced X-ray Timing and Polarimetry mission, which has been fully approved for launch in 2030. eXTP is a space science mission designed to study fundamental physics under extreme conditions of matter density, gravity, and magnetism. The mission aims at determining the equation of state of matter at supra-nuclear density, measuring the effects of quantum electro-dynamics, and understanding the dynamics of matter in strong-field gravity. In addition to investigating fundamental physics, the eXTP mission is poised to become a leading observatory for time-domain and multi-messenger astronomy in the 2030s, as well as providing observations of unprecedented quality on a variety of galactic and extragalactic objects. After briefly introducing the history and a summary of the scientific objectives of the eXTP mission, this paper presents a comprehensive overview of: (1) the cutting-edge technology, technical specifications, and anticipated performance of the mission’s scientific instruments; (2) the full mission profile, encompassing spacecraft design, operational capabilities, and ground segment infrastructure.