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We present an interpretation of the first spectra of the soft X-ray background in the energy range $0.15 < E < 0.284\ {\rm keV}$, or wavelength range $44 < \lambda < 83\ {\rm \AA}$. These spectra were obtained by the Diffuse X-ray Spectrometer (DXS) during the STS-54 mission of the Space Shuttle Endeavour in January 1993. The spectrum shows emission lines, which is the first direct evidence that the soft X-ray background arises in hot interstellar gas. Tentative identifications of line blends are made, pending completion of the post-flight instrument calibrations.
We fit various models to these spectra, and present preliminary results of these fits. Equilibrium Raymond \& Smith models with solar abundances do not fit the data. Better fits can be obtained by using depleted abundances and/or young blast wave non-equilibrium models.
This work was supported by NASA contract NAS 5--26078.
