Chandra X-ray
ActiveLaunched in 1999·HEO — 139,000 km
An X-ray observatory that detects million-degree gas around black holes and galaxy clusters.
Main objectives
- Observe the universe in X-rays (black holes, supernova remnants, clusters).
- Study the most energetic phenomena in the cosmos.
- Complement optical and radio observations of compact sources.
Did you know?
Sensitive to photons 100 times more energetic than visible light. Its Zerodur glass mirrors are polished to a millionth of an inch.
Timeline
Jul 23, 1999
Launch
STS-93 (Columbia), commanded by Eileen Collins.
Chandra X-ray
Instruments
[04]Specifications
Mass
Orbit
Mirrors
Discoveries
[03]Mission milestones
[01]Scientists on this mission
[05]The scientists behind this spacecraft: their role on the mission, their institution and their primary sources.
Black holesHarvey TananbaumDirector — Chandra X-ray Center · 1991 – 2014Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory
Black holesBelinda WilkesSenior Scientist — Chandra X-ray CenterHarvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics