The state of the art in exploring galactic cosmic rays using spacecraft and high-altitude balloons is reviewed in detail. The most urgent basic problems of high- and ultrahigh-energy astrophysics, solved by direct observations of cosmic rays, are discussed. Prospects for the advancement of research in this field of science in the next decade are outlined.

Keywords: cosmic rays, direct observations PACS: 96.50.S− DOI: 10.3367/UFNe.2023.11.039589 URL: https://ufn.ru/en/articles/2024/7/a/ 001328253200001 2-s2.0-85197729784 2024PhyU...67..639P Citation: Panov A D, Podorozhnyi D M, Turundaevskii A N "Direct observations of cosmic rays: state of the art" Phys. Usp. 67 639–667 (2024) BibTexBibNote ® (generic)BibNote ® (RIS)MedlineRefWorks Received: 24th, July 2023, revised: 29th, October 2023, accepted: 8th, November 2023 Оригинал: Панов А Д, Подорожный Д М, Турундаевский А Н «Прямые наблюдения космических лучей: современное состояние проблемы» УФН 194 681–710 (2024); DOI: 10.3367/UFNr.2023.11.039589