... Previous: Chandra X-Ray Observatory - First Year Science Highlights . ... The Chandra X-ray Observatory was launched from the Space Shuttle on 23 July 1999 and has completed the first year of operations with outstanding results. We present a description of the Chandra Observatory, the Chandra mission operations concept, ground system architecture, selected operations metrics and an example where operational processes have required modification due to on-orbit events and experience. ...