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Survey to Help Determine the Best Name for the Athena Mission; Vote by 2 February 2024

30 January 2024

In pursuit of selecting the most fitting name for our Athena X-ray mission, the Athena Community Office invites you to participate in a survey to help determine the optimal choice between the current designation, Athena, and the one used during the redefinition, newAthena.

The significance of a mission's name transcends mere nomenclature; it serves as a vital emblem, encapsulating the mission's essence, goals, and aspirations. A carefully chosen name can resonate with the public, evoke curiosity, and enhance the mission's overall impact. It is crucial to approach this decision with consideration for both continuity and clarity.

This survey seeks your valuable input to ensure that the selected name accurately reflects the mission's essence and its evolution. While the European Space Agency (ESA) will have the final say, we believe that our community should contribute to the final decision.

Please participate in the survey by filling out this Google Form before 2 February 2024.

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