The spatial and temporal behavior of the x‐ray emission from laser‐produced aluminum plasma was deduced from space‐resolved x‐ray lines and satellite spectra and from a comparison between spectra observed from both sides of thin (1–25‐&mgr;m) foils. The Li‐, He‐, and H‐like ion species were found to have different spatial and temporal behaviors. The evolution of the plasma from the ionizing regime to steady state is also followed. The meaning of electron temperature values deduced from various spectral line ratios is discussed.