Electronics Weekly
Dubbed LISA (Laser Interferometer Space Antenna), it will see Teledyne Space Imaging working with Thales Alenia Space on optical electronics. It is led by the European Space Agency, in partnership with member states and NASA.
The LISA mission will be the first space-based observatory dedicated to studying gravitational waves, says the agency. These are described as “ripples in the fabric of space-time”.
Interferometric laser
Specifically, the Chelmsford-based company will deliver six CIS220 detectors and the control electronics. Thales Alenia Space – working in Switzerland – is responsible for the optical head of the payload.
The LISA CAS instrument will help establish the interferometric laser links between spacecrafts positioned at the vertices of a triangular constellation and transform them into a single gravitational wave observatory, says Teledyne.
LISA aims to study the formation of compact binary stars and the structure of the Milky Way galaxy. Additionally, it will be tracing the merger history of black holes and probing the rate of expansion of the universe.
Constellation Acquisition Sensor
Daniel Waller, Teledyne Space Imaging’s VP and Vice-President and General Manager (right), commented:
“We are very excited to be Prime Contractor for the [Constellation Acquisition Sensor] instrument on such an exciting space observatory mission as LISA. Our image sensor technology sits at the cutting edge of what could be a total game changer for the space observation sector. We are thrilled to be consolidating our work with NASA and ESA into 2025 and beyond, especially after our involvement in the UK TRUTHS climate change observation space mission last year.”
UKSA
The UK Space Agency also welcomes the news. Caroline Harper, Head of Space Science at the agency, commented:
“Teledyne has a strong heritage in providing cutting edge sensors and electronics for major space science missions.”
“This contract to deliver a crucial element of the mission hardware marks another milestone for Teledyne in the UK and showcases the importance of global collaboration between space agencies and companies to advance our collective knowledge. We eagerly anticipate the breakthrough science we can expect from LISA, which will enhance our understanding of the Universe and life on Earth.”
For its part, the ESA describes the work as a potential “breakthrough in astrophysics and space exploration”. It is planned to launch ~2035.
Images: ESA (top), Teledyne Space Imaging (bottom)
