  We report on the results of the spectral and timing analysis of a BeppoSAX
observation of the microquasar system LS 5039/RX J1826.2-1450. The source was
found in a low-flux state with Fx(1-10 keV)= 4.7 x 10^{-12} erg cm^{-2} s^{-1},
which represents almost one order of magnitude lower than a previous RXTE
observation 2.5 years before. The 0.1--10 keV spectrum is described by an
absorbed power-law continuum with photon-number spectral index Gamma=1.8+-0.2
and hydrogen column density of NH=1.0^{+0.4}_{-0.3} x 10^{22} cm^{-2}.
According to the orbital parameters of the system the BeppoSAX observation
covers the time of an X-ray eclipse should one occur. However, the 1.6-10 keV
light curve does not show evidence for such an event, which allows us to give
an upper limit to the inclination of the system. The low X-ray flux detected
during this observation is interpreted as a decrease in the mass accretion rate
onto the compact object due to a decrease in the mass-loss rate from the
primary.
