LISA Pathfinder
Vega
Arianespace
Mission
LISA Pathfinder
- Type: Astrophysics
- Orbit: Heliocentric L1
- Launch Cost: $37,000,000
LISA Pathfinder will pave the way for future missions by testing in flight the very concept of gravitational wave detection: it will put two test masses in a near-perfect gravitational free-fall and control and measure their motion with unprecedented accuracy. LISA Pathfinder will use the latest technology to minimise the extra forces on the test masses, and to take measurements. The inertial sensors, the laser metrology system, the drag-free control system and an ultra-precise micro-propulsion system make this a highly unusual mission.
Location
Ariane Launch Area 1 (ELV)
Guiana Space Centre, French Guiana
Ariane Launch Area 1 (ELV) has witnessed the launch of 49 rockets, including 49 orbital launch attempts, while Guiana Space Centre, French Guiana, has been the site for 320 rocket launches.
Rocket
Avio S.p.A Vega
Vega is the smallest lifter in the current Arianespace family.
Agency
Arianespace
Arianespace SA is a multinational company founded in 1980 as the world’s first commercial launch service provider. It undertakes the production, operation, and marketing of the Ariane programme. Their vehicles launch exclusively from French Guiana in South America.
