The objective of this paper is to provide a brief overview of selected experimental measurements in the field of cosmic rays. Galactic cosmic rays are composed of primary andsecondary particles. Primary cosmic rays are thought to be energized by supernova shocks within our Galaxy. The cosmic rays that eventually arrive at the Earth are mainly protons and atomic nuclei, but also contain electrons. Secondary cosmic rays are produced in collisions of primarparticles with the diffuse interstellar gas and are scarce but carry important information on the Galactic propagation of the primary particles. The secondary component includes a small fraction f antimatter particles, antiprotons and positrons; these may also come Irom unusual sources and could possibly provide a window into new physics. For example, in the Galactic halo there could take place annihilations of heavy supersymmetric dark matter particles, which could lead to positrons or antiprotons. © 2009 American Institute of Physics.