An Overview of the Performance and Scientific Results from theChandra X‐Ray Observatory

The Chandra X-Ray Observatory (CXO), the x-ray component of NASA's GreatObservatories, was launched on 1999, July 23 by the Space Shuttle Columbia.After satellite systems activation, the first x-rays focussed by the telescopewere observed on 1999, August 12. Beginning with the initial observation it wasclear that the telescope had survived the launch environment and was operatingas expected. Despite an initial surprise due to the discovery that thetelescope was far more efficient for concentrating CCD-damaging low-energyprotons than had been anticipated, the observatory is performing well and isreturning superb scientific data. Together with other space observatories, mostnotably XMM-Newton, it is clear that we have entered a new era of discovery inhigh-energy astrophysics.