The European Space Agency (ESA) is Europe’s gateway to space. Its mission is to shape the development of Europe’s space capability and ensure that investment in space continues to deliver benefits to the citizens of Europe and the world.
Find out more about space activities in our 23 Member States, and understand how ESA works together with their national agencies, institutions and organisations.
Exploring our Solar System and unlocking the secrets of the Universe
Go to topicProtecting life and infrastructure on Earth and in orbit
Go to topicUsing space to benefit citizens and meet future challenges on Earth
Go to topicMaking space accessible and developing the technologies for the future
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This exploded view shows the LISA Pathfinder spacecraft in its entirety.
The solar array provides power to the LISA Pathfinder payload and support systems, and shields its sensitive payload from the Sun.
Beneath the array is the white and gold-hued science module (covered in multi-layer insulation), which carries the payload with the test masses and their electrode housings, the optical bench interferometer, and vacuum enclosure. All of these components fit neatly within the central cylinder, which in turn slots into the centre of the science module.
The science module also contains support systems for LISA Pathfinder's scientific experiments, and carries micronewton thrusters on its outer panels to adjust the position of the spacecraft.
The propulsion module at the bottom of the exploded view will help LISA Pathfinder reach its final orbital location.