NEXT SPACEFLIGHT

Status

LISA (Gravitational Wave Observatory)

Launch Time
NET 2037

Rocket

Ariane 64
Image Credit: Arianespace
Arianespace
Status: Active
Price: $106.0 million
Liftoff Thrust: 15,370 kN
Payload to LEO: 21,650 kg
Payload to GTO: 11,500 kg
Stages: 2
Strap-ons: 4
Rocket Height: 62.0 m
Fairing Diameter: 5.4 m
Fairing Height: 20.0 m

Mission Details

LISA (Gravitational Wave Observatory)

The Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) is a mission led by the European Space Agency to detect and accurately measure gravitational waves—tiny ripples in the fabric of space-time—from astronomical sources. LISA would be the first dedicated space-based gravitational wave detector. It aims to measure gravitational waves directly by using laser interferometry. The LISA concept has a constellation of three spacecraft arranged in an equilateral triangle with sides 2.5 million km long, flying along an Earth-like heliocentric orbit. The distance between the satellites is precisely monitored to detect a passing gravitational wave.

Payloads: 3
Heliocentric Orbit

Location

ELA-4, Guiana Space Centre, French Guiana, France