The NewAthena x-ray optics

The NewAthena (New Advanced Telescope for High ENergy Astrophysics) mission is the next generation X\x-ray observatory of ESA and is currently being studied and technologically prepared for adoption early 2027. NewAthena builds on a novel x-ray optics technology specifically developed for this mission. With a diameter of almost 2.5 meters, and consisting of hundreds of co-aligned mirror modules, made of paper-thin mirrors, NewAthena achieves an angular resolution significantly better than that of the XMM-Newton telescope. The Silicon Pore Optics (SPO) delivers to the challenge the NewAthena x-ray optics poses, benefiting from technology spin-in from the semiconductor industry. The optics is highly modular and is robust by design; its production is largely automatised and cost effective. This paper provides an overview of the ongoing activities readying the SPO technology for the NewAthena mission, from the production of mirror elements, over the assembly into modules, to the accurate integration into the Mirror Assembly Structure of the spacecraft. The performance verification and the preparation of the required production and characterisation facilities is also discussed.