LISA Pathfinder Mission Overview

Date: Fri, Nov 13, 2015 | 07:30 - 07:40 GMT | 08:30 - 08:40 CET

Replay: Fri, Nov 13, 2015 | 16:00 - 16:10 GMT | 17:00 - 17:10 CET

Type: ESA TV Exchange

Format: 16:9

ESA is launching a technology demonstration mission opening a new field of observation, the gravitational universe.  

Lift of is scheduled from Kourou next 2 December on top of a Vega.

The upcoming LISA Pathfinder mission will be testing the technologies needed to detect and measure gravitational waves – ripples in spacetime first predicted by Albert Einstein almost one hundred years ago.

When gravitational waves pass through Earth they produce minute changes in the size of our planet – but only by about a millionth of the size of an atom. These changes are therefore extremely difficult to measure.

This film covers the testing of innovative technologies and techniques that will be used in the future to measure gravitational waves. It also covers the precision micro-propulsion system to keep the spacecraft in perfect position and how gravitational waves will open up a new window for studying our universe.

It includes interviews with Paul McNamara, LISA Pathfinder project scientist, ESA; and Cesar Garcia Marirrodriga, LISA Pathfinder project manager, ESA.

More information at: http://sci.esa.int/lisa-pathfinder/

Preview and download:
https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Videos/2015/11/Lisa_Pathfinder_mission_overview

Script:
EbSI-111574.doc

Satellite Parameters: Eutelsat 9A at 9 degrees E, transponder 59, downlink frequency 11900.1 horizontally polarised, symbol rate 27,500 FEC 2/3.