Integral

The task of Integral, ESA's International Gamma-Ray Astrophysics Laboratory, is to detect and gather the most energetic radiation that comes from space. The spacecraft was launched in October 2002 and is helping solve some of the biggest mysteries in astronomy.

Gamma rays are even more powerful than the X-rays used in medical examinations. Fortunately, the Earth's atmosphere acts as a shield to protect us from this dangerous cosmic radiation. However, this means that gamma rays from space can only be detected by satellites. Integral is currently the most sensitive gamma-ray observatory ever launched. It detects radiation from the most violent events far away and from processes that made the Universe habitable.