An Overview of the Performance and Scientific Results From the Chandra X-Ray Observatory (CXO)

ABSTRACT The Chandra X‐Ray Observatory (CXO), the X‐ray component of NASA’s Great Observatories, was launched on 1999 July 23 by the space shuttle Columbia. After satellite systems activation, the first X‐rays focused by the telescope were observed on 1999 August 12. Beginning with the initial observation it was clear that the telescope had survived the launch environment and was operating as expected. Despite an initial surprise due to the discovery that the telescope was far more efficient for concentrating CCD‐damaging low‐energy protons than had been anticipated, the observatory is performing well and is returning superb scientific data. Together with other space observatories, most notably XMM‐Newton, it is clear that we have entered a new era of discovery in high‐energy astrophysics.