NASA, Partners Advance LISA Prototype Hardware

Successful tests on key components for the upcoming Laser Interferometer Space Antenna mission

Jan. 27, 2026 at 10:07pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Engineers and scientists at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center have completed tests on a second early version of a key element of the upcoming LISA (Laser Interferometer Space Antenna) mission, which will use infrared lasers to detect gravitational waves. The tests involved the frequency reference system that will help control the lasers connecting LISA's three spacecraft. NASA is also contributing other critical hardware like telescopes and charge management devices to the international collaboration with ESA.

Why it matters

LISA will offer a major advancement in multimessenger astronomy, allowing scientists to explore cosmic signals beyond just light. The mission's massive triangular formation of three spacecraft will enable the detection of gravitational waves generated by the merger of massive black holes, providing new insights into the workings of the universe.

The details

The frequency reference system, delivered by BAE Systems, is a crucial component that will help ensure the lasers connecting LISA's three spacecraft are finely tuned to make precise measurements down to the picometer level. Engineers tested an initial version of the system in 2025, and this second unit is identical, allowing for a cross-check to verify the stability of the overall system. In addition to the laser system, NASA is contributing other key hardware like telescopes and charge management devices to the international LISA collaboration with ESA.

  • The team tested the first version of the frequency reference system in May 2025.
  • The second unit of the frequency reference system was tested in early 2026.

The players

NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center

The NASA center where engineers and scientists completed tests on the LISA prototype hardware.

ESA (European Space Agency)

NASA's international partner on the LISA mission.

BAE Systems

The company that delivered the frequency reference system being tested for the LISA mission.

Ira Thorpe

The project scientist for LISA at NASA Goddard.

University of Florida in Gainesville

Developing charge management devices for the LISA spacecraft.

Fibertek Inc. in McNair, Va.

Developing charge management devices for the LISA spacecraft.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The extensive round of checkouts on the frequency reference system last year were very successful. This second unit is identical, so our assessments this time around were less intense and preface a future cross-check of the two, which is the gold-standard for checking the stability of the system overall.”

— Ira Thorpe, Project scientist for LISA at NASA Goddard

What’s next

The LISA mission is slated to launch in the mid-2030s.

The takeaway

NASA's contributions to the LISA mission, including the frequency reference system, telescopes, and charge management devices, are critical steps toward realizing this ambitious space-based observatory that will revolutionize our understanding of the universe through the detection of gravitational waves.