Before an XMM-Newton observation can be released for scheduling, several checks must be completed to ensure that the proposed instrumental configuration is safe and adequate for the scientific proposal goals. This process is called proposal enhancement. Only after the proposal enhancement process is successfully completed, an XMM-Newton observation can be released for scheduling. The PIs of accepted observations which can not be performed as requested through the XRPS will be contacted by the XMM-Newton SOC at the most appropriate time, to start the enhancement process.
During the proposal enhancement, changes of observations are allowed as long as they
are in agreement with the scientific justification of the proposal.
The proposed prime instrument is considered to be a substantial
component of the scientific claim.
Changes leading to unforeseen
duplications or violations of data rights are not allowed.
Based on the submitted proposals, the Survey Science Center (SSC) consortium will set
up an intricate program of optical follow-up observations, and
will have been awarded time on ground based telescopes for such proposals.
Therefore changes of the permission for SSC follow-up
cannot be made after the XMM-Newton proposal approval stage.