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The day LISA Pathfinder hung in the balance

11 October 2006

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This photograph shows the LISA Pathfinder gold-platinum proof-mass being placed over the high sensitivity balance used at the International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM, France) to measure the proof-mass's magnetic susceptibility .

Once in space, LISA Pathfinder's proof-masses will be used to detect forces as small as the weight of a typical bacterium, and test the theory of General Relativity.

The perfect proof-mass is one that responds only to the force of gravity. Therefore, scientists needed to precisely measure how the LISA Pathfinder proof-masses respond to magnetic forces so that they can compensate for this in their calculations.

Credits: Courtesy of M. Hueller (University of Trento)/R. Davis (BIPM)

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Artist's impression of the LISA Pathfinder spacecraft, due for launch in 2009. LISA Pathfinder is a precursor to ESA's LISA mission, to detect gravitational waves and test General Relativity in space.

At the core of the mission is the LISA Technology package, containing proof-masses and an accurate metrology system.

Credits: ESA/ASTRIUM

LISA Pathfinder LISA Pathfinder factsheet