LISA - a giant laser interferometer in space for gravitational waves detection

LISA will be a space-based gravitational-waves observatory to be launched mid-2030, targeting the mHz band, inaccessible from Earth. Using a 2.5 millionkm laser interferometer, it measures pm-scale distance variations between free-falling test masses. This article introduces LISA’s most critical technologies such as ultra-stable lasers, precision interferometry, ultra-stable optical benches, telescopes, gravitational reference sensors, drag-free control with micro thrusters, Time Delay Interferometry, and stringent stray light control.