Q&A: Chandra Mission

Q:
Can you identify some "practical" uses of Chandra?

A:
Chandra's main mission is to teach us about the Universe that we live in which has indirect benefits, e.g. by inspiring students to take an interest in math and physics, or showing people how complicated and beautiful the Universe is. There may also be long-term benefits from technological spin-offs, and even longer term benefits when we try to leave Earth for other planets. Chandra, for example, may be able to provide useful information about the solar wind and potential radiation effects on astronauts. If the sky is the limit, we'd better know what's out there!