One year ago, AMS-02 began its groundbreaking data collection operations from the International Space Station (ISS). After a four-day journey in the cargo bay of the Endeavour shuttle, the spectrometer was securely installed on the S3 truss payload attach site. This marked the beginning of a new era in cosmic ray research.

Since that pivotal moment, AMS-02 has continuously collected data, with its operations meticulously monitored and controlled by the AMS-02 Collaboration from the Payload Operation Control Center (POCC) at CERN. This center is the initial node in the complex data processing chain that ensures the integrity and utility of the collected information.

Over the past year, AMS-02 has recorded an astounding 17 billion cosmic ray events. These data have been invaluable for calibrating the particle detectors, allowing scientists to fully exploit their sensitivity in the search for rare cosmic events. Despite operating under the extreme thermal conditions of space, AMS-02 has performed flawlessly, demonstrating the robustness and reliability of its design and engineering.

One of the major achievements of AMS-02 during its first year is the direct measurement of high-energy cosmic rays from space. For the first time, electrons with energies exceeding 1 TeV and positrons with energies surpassing 200 GeV have been recorded before they enter Earth’s atmosphere. These measurements are critical for advancing our understanding of cosmic rays and the fundamental particles that compose them.

The precision of AMS-02’s measurements is evident in the quality of the data it collects. For instance, high-energy ions captured by AMS-02 provide exceptionally clean and detailed event images, showcasing the instrument’s unparalleled ability to distinguish and analyze individual cosmic ray events.

The success of AMS-02 in its first year is a testament to the dedication and expertise of the international AMS-02 Collaboration. Their efforts have ensured that the spectrometer operates smoothly, continuously providing valuable data for scientific analysis. The seamless operation of AMS-02 highlights the importance of international cooperation and the integration of cutting-edge technology in advancing our understanding of the universe.

As AMS-02 enters its second year of operation, the scientific community eagerly anticipates the new discoveries that will emerge from its data. The continued study of high-energy cosmic rays will shed light on some of the most profound questions in physics, potentially unveiling new phenomena and deepening our comprehension of the cosmos.

The first year of AMS-02 in space has been marked by significant milestones and remarkable achievements. The spectrometer’s ability to operate flawlessly under harsh conditions and its contributions to cosmic ray research underscore its pivotal role in space exploration. As we celebrate this anniversary, we look forward to many more years of scientific breakthroughs and discoveries, propelled by the invaluable data collected by AMS-02.