Following selection, the mission design and costing can be completed. Then it will be proposed for 'adoption' before construction begins. Launch is expected in 2034.
I did a quick search for a thread on this - apologies if I missed it. ESA seem to be serious about making LISA a thing. Super exciting!!http://sci.esa.int/jump.cfm?oid=59243QuoteFollowing selection, the mission design and costing can be completed. Then it will be proposed for 'adoption' before construction begins. Launch is expected in 2034.So - why don't we use this thread to build up what we know? I know nothing except I first came across this concept as part of a final year course in my MPhys back in 2005. I'm sure the guy said something like "This is something that might happen in around 30 years time" - so well done there!The idea is to use laser interferometry between 3 spacecraft that form a very large triangle in space - 2.5m km on one side.By doing this, scientists will be able to measure the distance to ludicrously high accuracy. High enough to measure ripples in spacetime caused by non-spherical rotating massive bodies - like neutron stars and black holes orbiting each other.This follows on from the LISA Pathfinder mission which exceeded its performance goals.So, is anyone here any more clued up about this?