First Results from BeppoSAX

Abstract

The X-ray satellite BeppoSAX, a major programme of the Italian space agency with participation of the Dutch space agency, was successfully launched from Cape Canaveral on April 30, 1996. After a 2 months period devoted to engineering check out that confirmed the nominal functionality of the satellite and the scientific payload, we have performed a series of observations of celestial objects devoted to calibrate the instruments and verify their scientific performances. Here we will present some preliminary results obtained in this phase. They are confirming the expected scientific capabilities of the mission.