The NASA Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) is a groundbreaking mission designed to detect and study gravitational waves, ripples in spacetime caused by massive celestial events like the collision of black holes and neutron stars. LISA represents an international collaboration, with contributions from both NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA).
The mission concept involves three spacecraft arranged in a triangular formation and trailing behind Earth in its orbit. These spacecraft are equipped with precise laser interferometers, which measure tiny changes in the distance between the spacecraft caused by passing gravitational waves. This method enables scientists to detect and analyze gravitational waves, opening a new window into the universe.
LISA's unique position in space allows it to detect low-frequency gravitational waves that cannot be observed from Earth's surface.
