LISA Pathfinder's science module and solar array
Date: 27 August 2015
Satellite: LISA Pathfinder
Copyright: ESA/ATG medialab
The white and gold coloured element of LISA Pathfinder shown in this artist's impression is the spacecraft's science module, covered in multi-layer insulation. As well as housing all the scientific support systems needed to carry out a range of experiments, the octagonal module contains many of the key elements of LISA Pathfinder's payload, including two test masses, each in a vacuum enclosure, and an optical bench interferometer between them.
The grey panel on top is LISA Pathfinder's solar array, which provides the spacecraft with solar power and shields it from the Sun.
Note: a version of this image with a transparent background and a clean cut out of the spacecraft is available in two sizes: 2048×2048 [png, 2.8 MB] and 4096×4096 [png, 9.5 MB].
