LISA – the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna
The Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) is a large-scale space mission designed to detect one of the most elusive phenomena in astronomy – gravitational waves. This space-borne Gravitational Wave Observatory will have an arm-length of 2.5 million km, compared to the few km’s of the ground-based observatories.
LISA will observe the entire universe and discover parts that are invisible by other means. It will enhance our knowledge about the beginning, evolution and structure of our universe. LISA will complement earth-bound gravitational wave and other astronomical observatories, and significantly enrich multimessenger astronomy.
Gravitational Waves – Technology – Data Analysis
The science as a foundation – the technology to make it happen – the data analysis to process the mission’s research data:
The classical distinction between spacecraft and payload doesn’t fit LISA well, because the LISA spacecraft are not just providing the infrastructure for the instruments. Each LISA spacecraft is part of the instrument itself because it protects the free-falling test masses from disturbances.
LISA leads to new methods and tools in data analysis. In preparing LISA data analysis experts met central challenges: they had to ensure that the LISA instrument will be able to deliver data relevant for scientific questions.
