Galactic cosmic rays: direct measurements, status and perspectives

Abstract

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 review the present state of direct cosmic-ray measurements, as well as near future efforts.