Uhuru

Uhuru is the first satellite launched specifically for the purpose of X-ray astronomy.

This space observatory was operational form 1970 to 1973 and performed a first comprehensive survey of the entire sky for X-ray sources. Several hundred sources could be identified and analyzed.

The satellite's name, "Uhuru", is the Swahili word for "freedom". It was named in recognition of the hospitality of Kenya from where it was launched into orbit.