Gamma Ray
Further information: Gamma ray astronomyGamma ray telescopes collect and measure individual, high energy gamma rays from astrophysical sources. These are absorbed by the atmosphere, requiring that observations are done by high-altitude balloons or space missions. Gamma rays can be generated by supernovae, neutron stars, pulsars and black holes. Gamma ray bursts, with extremely high energies, have also been detected but have yet to be identified.
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An illustration of the Compton Gamma Ray Observatory
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Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope drawing
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An illustration of Granat
| Name | Space Agency | Launch Date | Terminated | Location | Ref(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3rd High Energy Astronomy Observatory (HEAO 3) | NASA | 20 September 1979 | 29 May 1981 | Earth orbit (486.4–504.9 km) | |
| Astrorivelatore Gamma ad Immagini LEggero (AGILE) | ISA | 23 April 2007 | — | Earth orbit (524–553 km) | |
| Compton Gamma Ray Observatory (CGRO) | NASA | 5 April 1991 | 4 June 2000 | Earth orbit (362–457 km) | |
| Cos-B | ESA | 9 August 1975 | 25 April 1982 | Earth orbit (339.6–99,876 km) | |
| Gamma | USSR, CNES, RSA | 1 July 1990 | 1992 | Earth orbit (375 km) | |
| Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope | NASA | 11 June 2008 | — | Earth orbit (555 km) | |
| Granat | CNRS & IKI | 1 December 1989 | 25 May 1999 | Earth orbit (2,000–200,000 km) | |
| High Energy Transient Explorer 2 (HETE 2) | NASA | 9 October 2000 | 2007 ? | Earth orbit (590–650 km) | |
| International Gamma Ray Astrophysics Laboratory (INTEGRAL) | ESA | 17 October 2002 | — | Earth orbit (639–153,000 km) | |
| Low Energy Gamma Ray Imager (LEGRI) | INTA | 19 May 1997 | 2002 | Earth orbit (600 km) | |
| Second Small Astronomy Satellite (SAS 2) | NASA | 15 November 1972 | 8 June 1973 | Earth orbit (443–632 km) | |
| Swift Gamma Ray Burst Explorer | NASA | 20 November 2004 | — | Earth orbit (585–604 km) |
Read more about this topic: List Of Space Telescopes
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