ESA Science & Technology - LISA Pathfinder propulsion module

This artist's impression shows the LISA Pathfinder propulsion module covered in silver-coloured multi-layer insulation.

After being transported to low Earth orbit by a Vega rocket, LISA Pathfinder will use its propulsion module to raise the spacecraft in its orbit around the Earth and then to travel some 1.5 million km through space to reach its final destination: the L1 Sun-Earth Lagrangian point.

LISA Pathfinder will discard the propulsion module shortly before reaching its final orbital position.

Note: a version of this image with a transparent background and a clean cut out of the spacecraft is available here [png, 1.6 MB].