LISA Pathfinder results support gravitational wave mission
Posted: Sun, Jun 12, 2016, 1:05 PM ET (1705 GMT)
The European Space Agency said initial results from its LISA Pathfinder mission far surpassed expectations and support eventual development of a space-based gravitational wave observatory. ESA scientists involved in the technology demonstration mission announced Tuesday that the performance of the spacecraft, launched earlier this year, was much better than expected. LISA Pathfinder is designed to test technologies needed for a much larger space-based laser interferometer that could be used to detect gravitational waves. The results make it more like ESA will pursue such a mission, with NASA cooperation, although it is unlikely to fly before 2034.
The European Space Agency said initial results from its LISA Pathfinder mission far surpassed expectations and support eventual development of a space-based gravitational wave observatory. ESA scientists involved in the technology demonstration mission announced Tuesday that the performance of the spacecraft, launched earlier this year, was much better than expected. LISA Pathfinder is designed to test technologies needed for a much larger space-based laser interferometer that could be used to detect gravitational waves. The results make it more like ESA will pursue such a mission, with NASA cooperation, although it is unlikely to fly before 2034.
Related Links:
| <<previous article | next article>> |
|
news in brief
|
|
|
|
news links
|
|
Tuesday, April 8
NASA Astronaut, Crewmates Arrive Safely at Space Station
NASA — 5:28 am ET (0928 GMT) Firefly Aerospace Awarded DoD Contract for Responsive On-Orbit Mission with Elytra Spacecraft
Firefly Aerospace — 5:27 am ET (0927 GMT) DIU Taps Firefly For Space Maneuvering Demonstration
Aviation Week — 5:27 am ET (0927 GMT) Can Oneweb capitalise on tensions over Elon Musk and Starlink?
The Times of London — 5:26 am ET (0926 GMT) NRO, Space Force in ‘final stages’ of commercial ISR arrangement
Breaking Defense — 5:26 am ET (0926 GMT) |
