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Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS-02)

Quick Facts

The Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS) experiment is installed on the International Space Station's integrated truss structure.
The Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS) experiment is installed on the International Space Station’s integrated truss structure.

The Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS-02) has collected and analyzed billions of cosmic ray events, and identified 9 million of these as electrons or positrons (antimatter). Researchers also observed a plateau in the positron growth curve and need additional data to determine why. Results suggest that high-energy positrons and cosmic ray electrons may come from different and mysterious sources. Solving the origin of cosmic rays and antimatter increases understanding of our galaxy. More info…

Mass: 18,739 lbs
Volume: 2,260 cubic feet
Power: 2,500 watts
Data downlink: 9 Mbps (average)

Mission Overview

Launch: 5/16/11
Installation: 5/19/11
Assembly Mission: ULF6
Shuttle Mission: STS-134
Vehicle: Space Shuttle Endeavour
Crew on station: Expedition 27