Perhaps most exciting is the possibility that GLAST will find something no one is expecting. This space telescope can peer a range of high-energy gamma rays that is virtually unexplored.

"There's such a leap forward in capabilities with GLAST that we have a really good chance of discovering things not even on the list yet," Ritz said.

The mission is scheduled for liftoff atop a Delta 2 rocket at 11:45 a.m. EDT on June 7.