Cameras, measurement equipment, computers, and the telescope itself compose the observatory, which will collect and analyze x-rays given off by high-energy interactions across the Universe.

The telescope works by diverting x-rays into instruments that can measure their energy levels and compose images of the events -- like the death of stars or colliding galaxies -- which spawned them. Special ultra-smooth cylindrical mirrors were developed to funnel the x-rays into the instruments.

Spectrometers and cameras will identify the energy and origin of the x-rays, providing a glimpse of the extremely explosive events which have occurred in the Universe. With this information, we will likely be able to develop a more accurate history of the Universe.

The shuttle drops off Chandra before it reaches its final destination, a point where it will enter an eliptical orbit that reaches a third of the way to the moon. The shuttle will release both the observatory and a solid fuel booster, called an inertial upper stage, that will rocket Chandra to a point on its designated orbit.

Chandra, which was built by the firm TRW, will be controlled by scientists at the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory in Cambridge, MA. The obsevatory will issue commands to one of three ground stations -- in Spain, Australia, or California, which will relay the commands to Chandra.

Scientific observations will start about two months after launch. About 400 astronomical targets will be observed in the first year, and the mission as a whole is scheduled to last for five years.