LISA Pathfinder

Full marks for LISA Pathfinder in final exam of the design phase

Image:
LISA Pathfinder is pictured here in the cleanroom at the IABG test facility in Munich, Germany, prior to thermal testing in June/July 2010. The science module (above) is a structural thermal model; the propulsion module (below) is the flight model. Copyright: ESA
LISA Pathfinder (LPF) has reached an important milestone after a rigorous review of the whole mission.

It passed its final examination at the end of the development phase with flying colors: the whole concept - from the scientific instruments and the operating system to the space hardware - stood up to the intense scrutiny of ESA-reviewers in a final 'Critical Design Review’ at the European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC).

These key technologies were examined:

  • The highly sensitive laser interferometric system.
  • The concept of free floating test masses.
  • The data transmission software.
  • The control systems, data analysis procedures.
  • The rocket, ground segment, satellite guidance and mission logistics.