NASA to hunt deep space gamma-rays with new high-altitude balloon mission

Scientists bring the ComPair instrument into a blue vacuum chamber for thermal testing. The Goddard logo is on the side of the chamber and the scientists are wearing white sterile uniforms.

In August, NASA plans to deploy a high-altitude balloon that'll hunt for gamma-rays, or high-energy wavelengths produced by some of the most powerful explosions in our universe. And last week, the agency provided an update on the mission. 

The novel instrument, known as ComPair, has officially been shipped off to its launch site in New Mexico as preparation for next month's liftoff.