HETE-2 Satellite Launched To Study Gamma-Ray Bursts

Dr.Copernicus writes: "A new satellite named HETE-2 was just launched (missile-style from a plane) to study Gamma-Ray Bursts. These mysterious objects are the most powerful explosions known in the universe, yet we don't know exactly what they are. They might result from neutron stars colliding, or stars collapsing, or they might involve black holes. HETE-2 will allow astronomers to study gamma-ray bursts farther away (and farther back in time) than ever before. The satellite partially replaces CGRO which recently had to be crashed into the ocean so that it wouldn't kill people."