The space gamma-ray observatory AGILE

Abstract Gamma-rays of cosmic origin are a manifestation of the most energetic phenomena in our Universe. Many astrophysical sources emit gamma-rays including relativistic compact stars, massive black holes in active galactic nuclei, gamma-ray burst sources, and our Sun during intense flares. The mission AGILE ( Astro-rivelatore Gamma a Immagini LEggero ) is an innovative, cost effective gamma ray mission selected by the Italian Space Agency (ASI) as first payload of the Program for Small Scientific Missions. It is designed to detect and image gamma-ray sources in the energy range 30 MeV-50 GeV and operate as an Observatory open to the international community. Primary scientific goals include the study of AGN's, gamma ray bursts, Galactic sources, unidentified gamma ray sources, solar flares and diffuse gamma ray emission. AGILE is planned to be operational during the years 2002–2005. It will an ideal 'bridge' between EGRET and GLAST, and support space observations and ground based multiwavelength studies of high energy sources