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.

Astrophysics Observatories ESA

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

Facts on this topic will be cited from these primary and reference sources.

ESAEuropean Space Agency
European missions, observatories, and space science imagery.

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