Question

83. With reference to LISA pathfinder, recently seen in the news, consider the following statements:
1. It aims to measure gravitational waves directly by using laser interferometry.
2. It has a constellation of three spacecraft.
3. It is a European Space Agency (ESA) mission
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?

• A. Only 1
• B. Only 2 and 3
• C. Only 1 and 3
• D. All of the above

Answer 1

The correct option is D All of the above

LISA Pathfinder, formerly Small Missions for Advanced Research in Technology-2 (SMART-2), is an ESA spacecraft that was launched on 3 December 2015. It aims to measure gravitational waves directly by using laser interferometry. LISA Pathfinder is paving 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. The LISA has a constellation of three spacecraft, arranged in an equilateral triangle with million-kilometre arms flying along an Earth-like heliocentric orbit. LISA Pathfinder is using 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. LISA Pathfinder is an ESA mission, which also carries a NASA payload. LISA would be the first dedicated space-based gravitational wave detector.