Why must X-ray telescopes be placed above Earth’s atmosphere?

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Diagram of the electromagnetic spectrum showing different types of waves arranged by wavelength and frequency, from gamma rays and X-rays to ultraviolet, visible light, infrared, microwave, TV/FM radio, shortwave radio, AM radio, and longwave radio. — X-ray The relationship of X-rays to other electromagnetic radiation within the electromagnetic spectrum.

X-ray telescopes must be placed above Earth’s atmosphere because the atmosphere absorbs most X-rays before they can reach the ground.12

This absorption occurs due to electronic excitations in the atoms and molecules that make up the atmosphere. Because of this, instruments designed to detect cosmic X-ray sources must be carried to high altitudes by rockets or balloons, or placed into orbit on satellites to successfully capture and record this radiation.312