Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA)
The European Space Agency mission
First gravitational wave observatory in space
Partner: Leonardo S.p.A.
Creotech’s role: the manufacture, integration and testing of the microdrive subsystem’s electronics
Gravitational waves are invisible ripples in the fabric of space-time, generated during the most powerful events in the Universe, such as collisions between black holes. LISA will be the first observatory to detect them from space, opening up a whole new window onto the phenomena predicted by Einstein’s general theory of relativity.
The mission will consist of three spacecraft, positioned in orbit around the Sun in the shape of a giant triangle. Each will be 2.5 million km away from the others - more than six times the distance between the Moon and Earth. The spacecraft will measure the distances between them using laser beams, and the passage of a gravitational wave through the Solar System will alter these distances in a measurable way. To make this possible, each probe must be positioned with extreme precision. This is the responsibility of the Cold Gas Micro Propulsion (CGMP) subsystem, designed by Leonardo.
Creotech Instruments is responsible for the production, integration and verification testing of the electronics for the modules controlling this micro-propulsion system (MAIT). In this project, we are drawing on the experience gained from ESA missions such as JUICE and PROBA-3, as well as our production facilities, which are equipped to handle electronics with the highest reliability requirements.