Mission concept · Astrophysics Observatories · In development
LISA
A space-based gravitational-wave observatory — three spacecraft forming a giant laser interferometer to hear the low-frequency ripples in spacetime that ground detectors cannot, from the mergers of the largest black holes.
Highlights
- ›A gravitational-wave detector millions of km across
Mission goals
- ›Detect low-frequency gravitational waves from space
- ›Observe merging massive black holes across the universe
Technology
Three spacecraft in a triangle millions of kilometres apart, linked by laser interferometry.
Status & uncertainties
Adopted by ESA; the precision-formation-flying technology is being matured.
Knowledge connections
- Member of groupAstrophysics Observatories
- Associated withESA
- Associated withDECIGO
- Associated withTaiji
- Associated withSpace Interferometry
Sources
The primary and reference sources this topic draws on.
- ESAEuropean Space Agency
European missions, observatories, and space science imagery.