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NASA is about to embark on a space endeavour which they hope will unlock some of the great mysteries of the universe.

In a quest for black holes at the centre of galaxies, dark matter and cosmic explosions, the GLAST (Gamma ray Large Area Space) Telescope was launched this morning.

The $730 million telescope captures gamma rays, which are the shortest wavelength on the electromagnetic spectrum and the highest energy form of light.

According to NASA, GLAST is the missing link in the array of telescopes orbiting the planet and following its launch from Cape Canaveral in Florida in the Unites States its mission is to explore the most violent events in the universe.

NASA's Astrophysics Division director Dr Jon Morse says the telescope will help shed light on some of the mysteries of the universe.