lisa

The European Space Agency’s (ESA) Lisa Pathfinder gravitational-wave detection technology demonstrator has completed a series of tests in Germany, and is preparing to leave for Europe’s Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana.

Airbus Defence and Space carried out final integration and tests of the satellite at IABG in Ottobrunn, near Munich.

Lisa Pathfinder is planned for lift-off in November aboard a European Vega rocket. It will travel 1.5 million kilometres from earth towards the sun.

The spacecraft will test technologies and instrumentation that will help observe and precisely measure gravitational waves.

"This is an extremely challenging mission that will pave the way for future space-based projects…opening a new window to explore the cosmos."

ESA project scientist Paul McNamara said: "This is an extremely challenging mission that will pave the way for future space-based projects to observe gravitational waves, opening a new window to explore the cosmos."

"Gravitational waves are an entirely fresh and different way to study the universe, providing an important complement to the well-established approach of astronomy, based on observing the light emitted by celestial bodies."

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

The spacecraft will feature Lisa Technology Package (LTP), which comprises a laser interferometer that measures changes in distance between two precision-engineered gold-platinum test masses.

Once in orbit around the Lagrange point L1, the two test masses will be released from a locking mechanism and their motion inside the spacecraft will be measured by laser interferometer and electrostatic sensors.

Other technologies for in-orbit testing include two types of micro-propulsion systems, drag-free control system from Nasa.

Airbus Defence and Space earth observation, navigation and science programmes head Michael Menking said: "Lisa Pathfinder is a remarkable project to test the ultra-high precision technologies that will be needed to detect gravitational waves in space."

Image: An artist’s design of ESA’s Lisa Pathfinder. Photo: courtesy of Airbus Defence and Space S.A.S.