Progress of the Cosmic X-ray Background explorer (CXBe) project

The Cosmic X-ray Background (CXB) traces the integrated energy released by black hole accretion across cosmic history, primarily from Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN). The Cosmic X-ray Background explorer (CXBe) aims to measure the CXB spectrum with unprecedented $\sim$1% accuracy, representing an order-of-magnitude improvement over the current $\sim$15–20% uncertainties. This advance will refine synthesis models and improve our understanding of AGN populations, particularly regarding their obscuration and X-ray reflection properties. The CXBe mission has been endorsed for deployment on the China Space Station (CSS) and has recently secured funding for Phase A-B1 prototype studies. These efforts, supported by Swiss contributions and in collaboration with Chinese partners, will accelerate mission development, with a CSS launch targeted within this decade. In this proceeding, we present CXBe's scientific objectives, outline the current status, and discuss prospects for the coming years.