From a sounding rocket per year to an observatory per lifetime

I summarize the excitement of my role primarily in the early years of X-ray Astronomy. As a second-generation X-ray astronomer, I was privileged to participate in the enormous advance of the field, both technically and astrophysically, that occurred in the late 1960s and 1970s. The remainder of my career has concentrated on the design, construction, calibration, operation, and scientific maintenance of the cathedral that is the Chandra X-Ray Observatory. I contrast my early experiences with the current environment for the design and development of instrumentation, especially X-ray optics, which are absolutely essential for the development of the discipline. I express my concerns for the future of X-ray astronomy and offer specific suggestions that I hope will advance the discipline at a more effective and rapid pace.