LISA
Laser Interferometer Space Antenna |
| Theme |
What are the fundamental physical laws of the Universe?
How did the Universe originate and what is it made of? |
| Primary Goal |
Detect and observe gravitational waves from astronomical sources in a frequency range of 10-4 to 10-1 Hz |
| Spacecraft |
Three identical spacecraft, each carrying two telescopes with associated lasers and optical systems that together act as an interferometer |
| Orbit |
The three spacecraft fly in a near-equilateral triangular formation separated from each other by 5 million kilometres. Together they trail behind the Earth at a distance of 50 million km in the planet's orbit around the Sun |
| Type |
L-class candidate mission |
