Particle and Astroparticle Physics

Galactic cosmic rays: direct measurements, status and perspectives

Stéphane Coutu

Penn State University

Recent instruments deployed in space or on stratospheric balloons are targeted at various energetic cosmic particles: protons and nuclei, electrons, antiparticles, secondary nuclei (including isotopes), ultraheavy nuclei, complementing the direct study of gamma rays. As a result, new data are brought to bear on high-energy processes in the Galaxy. The instruments have large acceptances and exposures, allowing an energy reach overlapping with ground-based measurements. We will review the present state of direct cosmic-ray measurements, as well as current and near future efforts. The latter include the HELIX balloon mission recently flown from Sweden to Canada, and the TIGERISS mission planned for deployment to the ISS in 2027.