The PAMELA satellite experiment has measured the cosmic-ray positron fraction between 1.5 GeV and 100 GeV. The need to reliably discriminate between the positron signal and proton background has required the development of an ad hoc analysis procedure. In this paper, a method for positron identification is described and its stability and capability to yield a correct background estimate is shown. The analysis includes new experimental data, the application of three different fitting techniques for the background sample and an estimate of systematic uncertainties due to possible inaccuracies in the background selection. The new experimental results confirm both solar modulation effects on cosmic-rays with low rigidities and an anomalous positron abundance above 10 GeV

An overview is presented of basic results and recent developments in the field of cosmic ray induced ionisation in the atmosphere, including a general introduction to the mechanism of cosmic ray induced ion production. We summarize the results of direct and indirect measurements of the atmospheric ionisation with special emphasis to long-term variations. Models describing the ion production in the atmosphere are also overviewed together with detailed results of the full Monte-Carlo simulation of a cosmic ray induced atmospheric cascade. Finally, conclusions are drawn on the present state and further perspectives of measuring and modeling cosmic ray induced ionisation in the terrestrial atmosphere.

On the 15 th of June 2006, the PAMELA satellite-borne experiment was launched from the Baikonur cosmodrome and it has been collecting data since July 2006. The instrument allows precision studies of the charged cosmic radiation to be conducted over a wide energy range (100 MeV-100's GeV) with high statistics. The primary scientific goal is the measurement of the antiproton and positron energy spectrum in order to search for exotic sources, such as dark matter particle annihilations. PAMELA is also searching for primordial antinuclei (anti-helium), and testing cosmic-ray propagation models through precise measurements of the antiparticle energy spectrum and precision studies of light nuclei and their isotopes. Moreover, PAMELA is investigating phenomena connected with solar and earth physics. Results of the antiproton and positron data will be presented.

Precise time-dependent measurements of the Z = 2 component in the cosmic radiation provide crucial information about the propagation of charged particles through the heliosphere. The PAMELA experiment, with its long flight duration (15

Abstract. The cosmic ray fluxes in four consecutive solar activity Ininilna (1964-1965, 1976-1977, 1987, and 1996-1997)