UVEX: the Ultraviolet Explorer

The Ultraviolet Explorer (UVEX) mission is built on three scientific pillars: (I) Exploring the low-mass, low-metallicity galaxy frontier; (II) Providing new views of the dynamic universe, and (III) Leaving a broad legacy of modern, deep synoptic surveys. The deep, synoptic all-sky survey includes the Galactic Plane and Magellanic Clouds and achieves depths and resolution matching modern optical/IR surveys with Rubin, Roman, and Euclid. UVEX will follow up the aftermath of GW-detected NS mergers and provide the first rapid UV spectroscopic follow-up of transients. The UVEX payload consists of a single instrument with simultaneous FUV and NUV imaging over a wide (12 deg2) FOV and sensitive R>1000 spectroscopy over a broad band from 1150 – 2650 Å. Placed in a highly elliptical, TESS-like orbit, UVEX achieves low background and high observing efficiency. Frequent ground contacts and rapid slew capability enable UVEX to promptly follow up targets of opportunity, providing the first rapid, deep UV imaging and spectroscopic follow-up capability.