Working together

The LISA Technology Package includes two inertial sensors around each test mass, solid cubes of a gold and platinum alloy,  and a highly stable optical bench between them that holds the mirrors of a laser interferometer.  This will measure the relative separation of the cubes by bouncing laser light off the highly reflective surfaces.  

A precision micro-propulsion system with tiny thrusters will keep the spacecraft and test masses in perfect position, protecting the cubes from the influence of  external forces. 

The technical team behind LISA Pathfinder has involved over 40 companies and research institutes from 14 European countries and the USA. The prime contractor, Airbus Defence & Space Ltd , led the industrial team building the spacecraft, while Airbus Defence & Space GmbH was responsible for providing the integrated LISA Technology Package payload. 

The subsystems for the LISA Technology Package were provided by a consortium of European companies, research institutes and ESA. The USA contributed the Space Technology 7 Disturbance Reduction System payload.