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LISA Pathfinder

Occurred 8 years ago

ESA's (European Space Agency) LISA (Laser Interferometer Space Antenna) Pathfinder spacecraft demonstrated technologies required for LISA, a future space probe designed to detect ripples in space-time called gravitational waves. NASA provided the mission’s disturbance reduction system, which consisted of a novel type of precision thruster and specialized controls for achieving drag-free flight. NASA scientists also participated in the science operations and analysis of LISA Pathfinder data.

Mission Type

Space antenna

Launch

Dec. 3, 2015

Purpose

Technology demonstration

Decommissioned

June 30, 2017
Featured Story

LISA Pathfinder Mission Paves Way for Space-based Detection of Gravitational Waves

LISA Pathfinder, a mission led by the European Space Agency (ESA) with contributions from NASA, has successfully tested a key…

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Artist’s concept of ESA’s LISA Pathfinder and its propulsion module after separation.
Credit: ESA
Featured Story

How LISA Pathfinder Detected Dozens of ‘Comet Crumbs’

LISA Pathfinder, a mission led by ESA (the European Space Agency) that included NASA contributions, successfully demonstrated technologies needed to…

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