What's Happening?
Thales Alenia Space, a joint venture between Thales and Leonardo, has signed a €16.5 million contract with OHB System AG to provide the Propulsion Subsystem for the European Space Agency's (ESA) LISA mission.
The Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) will be the first space-based observatory dedicated to studying gravitational waves. The mission involves a constellation of three satellites, each spaced 2.5 million kilometers apart, designed to detect gravitational waves with unprecedented sensitivity. Thales Alenia Space will handle the design, manufacture, system assembly, integration, and testing of the propulsion subsystem. This contract is part of a larger agreement valued at €89.5 million, covering phases B2, C, and D of the project. The LISA mission aims to explore cosmic events such as merging supermassive black holes and interacting compact stars, expanding our understanding of the universe.
Why It's Important?
The LISA mission represents a significant advancement in space exploration and scientific research. By detecting gravitational waves, the mission will provide insights into cosmic phenomena that are currently beyond the reach of ground-based observatories. This could lead to breakthroughs in our understanding of the universe's formation and evolution. The involvement of Thales Alenia Space underscores the importance of international collaboration in advancing space technology and research. The mission also highlights the role of European companies in leading-edge space exploration, potentially boosting their competitiveness in the global space industry. The successful execution of the LISA mission could pave the way for future space-based observatories, enhancing our ability to study the universe.
What's Next?
The LISA mission is scheduled to launch in 2035 aboard an Ariane 6 rocket. In the coming years, Thales Alenia Space will continue to develop and test the propulsion subsystem and other critical components. The mission's success will depend on precise engineering and coordination among international partners. As the launch date approaches, ESA and its partners will likely conduct extensive testing and simulations to ensure the mission's readiness. The scientific community eagerly anticipates the data that LISA will provide, which could lead to new discoveries and a deeper understanding of gravitational waves and their sources.
