LISA Pathfinder

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

151 launches have been at this location.

Rocket

Vega

Length: 29.9 meters
Diameter: 3.025 meters
First Launched: February 13, 2012

Vega is the smallest lifter in the current Arianespace family.

The Vega rocket has been launched a total of 17 times with 15 successful and 2 failed launches.

Agency

Arianespace

Type: Commercial
Abbreviation: ASA
Administration: CEO: Stéphane Israël
Founded: 1980
Launchers: Ariane 5 | Vega
Spacecraft:
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.