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Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer

The Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS) is a particle physics experiment module that is mounted on the International Space Station (ISS). 

The Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer

About the AMS-02

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.

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The Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer-2 (AMS)
The newly-installed Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer-2 (AMS) is visible at center left. The blackness of space and Earth’s horizon provide the backdrop for the scene.
NASA

AMS: The Fight for Flight

NASA's "AMS: The Fight for Flight" documentary is now available. Learn about the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS), a particle physics experiment on the International Space Station, the history of this revolutionary experiment and the man behind it.

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AMS through the Astronaut's Eyes

AMS Podcasts

Houston We Have A Podcast: EP 117

In Episode 117, Dr. Brandon Reddell discusses astrophysics, cosmology, and the science behind the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS), an experiment looking for evidence of antimatter and dark matter in the cosmos. This is part one of a three-part series on AMS. This episode was recorded on October 8, 2019.

Houston We Have A Podcast: EP 118

For Episode 118 Tara Jochim and Brian Mader talk about a unique and difficult set of spacewalks to repair an experiment called the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer. The two discuss the work that has been done so far to prepare for these spacewalks and what the teams will be doing to execute these complicated maneuvers. This episode was recorded on October 9th, 2019.

Houston We Have A Podcast: EP 119

On Episode 119, Heather Bergman, Justin Cassidy, and Drew Hood discuss how unique tools were developed to complete the on-orbit repair of the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS), a space particle detector that’s hot on the trail of dark matter and dark energy. This is part three of a three-part series on AMS. This episode was recorded on October 23, 2019.