The cosmic ray particle physics detector was carried to the International Space Station on the final flight of the space shuttle Endeavour and installed under NASA direction.

CNN: Space station detector gives first clues to 'dark matter'

The AMS is a particle detector that will use radiation from space to help ascertain conditions at the beginning of the universe as well as providing more data about its composition.

FORBES: Scientists Detect Heaviest Known Antimatter Particle

Since May 2011, the detector -- which is mounted outside the space station -- has been sifting through matter, antimatter and other particles as it circles the Earth, with the data sent to hundreds of scientists on the ground for analysis.

CNN: Space station detector gives first clues to 'dark matter'