On 7/23/21, the Chandra X-ray Observatory celebrated a full 22 years in orbit and the anniversary of the launch of the Space Shuttle Columbia mission STS-93, launched from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. On 7/23/99, STS-93 began a four-day mission to deliver the Chandra X-ray Observatory to low-Earth orbit. Chandra achieved orbital insertion via an attached 2-stage Inertial Upper Stage rocket motor and was placed in its final orbit using Chandra’s Integral Propulsion System within days of launch. Marshall Space Flight Center has managed all phases of the Chandra program over the years and will continue to do so.
For more information visit: https://chandra.harvard.edu/20th/.
Chandra - 22 Years in Orbit