LISA Pathfinder
Vega
Arianespace
Mission
LISA Pathfinder
Type: Astrophysics
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
Kourou, French Guiana
315 rockets have launched from Kourou, French Guiana.
Rocket
Vega – Avio S.p.A
Family: Vega
Length: 29.9 m
Diameter: 3.025 m
Launch Mass: 137 T
Low Earth Orbit Capacity: 1500 kg
The Vega was manufactured by Avio S.p.A with the first launch on 2012-02-13. Vega has 18 successful launches and 2 failed launches with a total of 20 launches. Vega is the smallest lifter in the current Arianespace family.
Agency
Arianespace
Type: Commercial
Abbreviation: ASA
Administration: CEO: Stéphane Israël
Founded: 1980
Launchers: Ariane | Vega
Country: FRA
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.
