LAUNCH CENTER

Success

Thu Dec 03 2015

Arianespace

LISA Pathfinder

Launch Successful

Launch Time

(4:04 AM UTC)

Launch Window Start

(4:04 AM UTC)

Launch Window End

(4:04 AM UTC)

Location

No Recovery Specified

Type

No Recovery Specified

Vega

Vega is an expendable launch system in use by Arianespace jointly developed by the Italian Space Agency (ASI) and the European Space Agency (ESA).

Type: Astrophysics
LISA Pathfinder will pave the way for future missions by testing in flight the very concept of gravitational wave detection: it will put two test masses in a near-perfect gravitational free-fall and control and measure their motion with unprecedented accuracy. LISA Pathfinder will use the latest technology to minimise the extra forces on the test masses, and to take measurements. The inertial sensors, the laser metrology system, the drag-free control system and an ultra-precise micro-propulsion system make this a highly unusual mission.

Location

Kourou, French Guiana

Pad

Ariane Launch Area 1