Nucleosynthesis at the proton drip line - a challenge for nuclear physics

The rp-process in X-ray bursts is investigated using a complete and updated nuclear reaction network from H to Sr, that is coupled to a one dimensional, one zone X-ray burst model. In particular we consider 2p-capture reactions that can bridge proton unbound nuclei and therefore accelerate the reaction flow. This allows for the first time the calculation of the actual endpoint of the rp-process. We find that for a 25 s burst the reaction flow reaches already Cd. The consequences for energy production, final composition of the ashes and fuel consumption are discussed. In addition, the influence of the current uncertainties in the nuclear physics data base on the results is investigated and the parameters for which a future experimental determination is most desirable are identified.