LISA gravitational-wave observatory selected as L3 mission
LISA gravitational-wave observatory selected as L3 mission
The gravitational-wave observatory LISA will ‘observe’ infinitesimal space-time ripples – known as gravitational waves – and hence track down the most energy-rich and powerful astrophysical events in our universe. From 2034, gravitational waves will be investigated using laser interferometry between three satellites, located at distances of around 2.5 million kilometres from each other. Until recently the observatory was only a mission concept, but it has now been selected by ESA's Science Programme Committee (SPC) as the third large mission (L3) as part of ESA's Cosmic Vision Programme.
