LISA, short for Laser Interferometer Space Antenna, will become the world’s first space-based observatory dedicated to detecting gravitational waves. These are distortions in space-time caused by cosmic phenomena such as merging black holes.
According to Sener Polska, the Polish branch of the international engineering group Sener, the mission will allow scientists to observe cosmic events that remain invisible to conventional telescopes. The company said Polish engineers are developing mechanisms capable of operating with "unprecedented precision in the harsh conditions of space."
The industrial contract involving Sener Polska is valued at more than €55 million, making it the largest research mission by contract value ever involving Polish engineers.
"LISA may revolutionize the way we understand the Universe," Jakub Pierzchała, CEO of Sener Polska, told Polish Press Agency. "It will introduce an entirely new direction in observing phenomena we have so far been unable to detect."
The satellites are scheduled to launch aboard an Ariane 6 rocket from Europe’s spaceport in French Guiana in 2035.
(aj)
SOURCE: PAP; ESA