Direct Measurements of Galactic Cosmic Rays

Abstract

This paper reviews recent progress in the field of direct measurements of Galactic cosmic rays. High-statistic measurements of cosmic ray energy spectra, chemical and isotopic composition, and the rare antimatter components have been made using large particle physics experiments operating in space. The recent results are discussed in relation to our understanding of the origin of cosmic rays, the open questions, and the challenges for future experiments of direct detection.