Abstract

X-ray observations are indispensable for understanding the cosmos. Much of the baryonic matter and the sites for the most active energy releases in the Universe are primarily observable in X-rays.  Lynx is a revolutionary X-ray observatory with the power to transform our understanding of the cosmos through unprecedented X-ray vision into the otherwise invisible Universe.  It is one of the four NASA Strategic Mission concepts under consideration by the 2020 Decadal Survey.  Lynx is designed to pursue three fundamental science pillars: (1) seeing the dawn of black holes, (2) revealing what drives galaxy formation and evolution, and (3) unveiling the energetic side of stellar evolution and stellar ecosystems. For its spacecraft design and operational concept, Lynx leverages the overarching, proven architecture from Chandra. The Lynx payload provides extraordinary advances in science capabilities thanks to an extremely powerful combination of sub-arcsecond angular resolution and high throughput of its X-ray mirror, and the transformational spectroscopic capabilities of its science instruments. Strong heritage and substantial maturity in key new technologies lead to a credible cost for this Great Observatory-class mission.