Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) is led by ESA in collaboration with NASA.
Galway-based space-tech companies ATG Innovation and ÉireComposites have been tapped to design and build satellite parts for the largest space-based observatory built and the first-ever dedicated to studying gravitational waves.
Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) is led by the European Space Agency (ESA) in collaboration with NASA. The mission, which has a planned launch in 2035, will consist of three satellites deployed in a triangular formation, each 2.5m km apart.
Gravitational waves are formed by extreme cosmic events such as the merger of black holes. It creates “ripples” in the fabric of space-time.
Although the existence of gravitational waves was predicted by Albert Einstein in 1916 – the theory was proven much later in the 70s.
In order to detect gravitational waves, each satellite in the LISA mission will emit a laser towards the other two to measure miniscule changes in the distance between them. The optical instruments on board the satellite are designed to pick up changes smaller than the size of a helium atom.
For this project, ATG will be designing the central tube, or the key structural framework of the satellite, based on its patented lightweight, high-stiffness, grid-stiffened structural architecture. While ÉireComposites will manufacture and assemble the carbon fibre structure.
This work will encompass everything from manufacturing test components and structural assemblies to autoclave curing, bonding and precision machining. The design and construction will combine advanced computational modelling, hands-on manufacturing and quality control inspections.
“Leading the Irish contribution to LISA alongside OHB and ÉireComposites is a privilege and a responsibility we embrace with pride,” said Jacob Pasqualotto, the director of operations at ATG Engineering. Germany-based space-tech OHB is the lead contractor for the LISA project.
“This mission takes gravitational-wave astronomy beyond Earth, extending our reach into the vast low-frequency universe where supermassive black holes and cosmic giants reveal their secrets. For us, this is more than engineering; it is Ireland’s signature on the future of astrophysics,” Pasqualotto added.
The results from the mission could shed light on what happens when black holes collide and provide insight into the origins of the universe immediately after the Big Bang.
“Nearly everything we know about the universe comes from telescopes; LISA provides a completely different approach by focusing on gravitational waves instead of light,” said Tomas Flanagan, the CEO of ÉireComposites.
“It’s hard to believe that we’ll be making structural carbon-fibre components for the largest machine that humanity has ever built and that we will be seeking evidence to support Einstein’s general theory of relativity.
“The fact that we’ve been chosen by ESA to partner with ATG for this mission is a huge endorsement of ÉireComposites, ATG and the Irish Space industry in general.”
Irish businesses have taken part in a number of ESA projects this year. In July, Celtonn, a Limerick-headquartered space technology company, secured a contract from ESA to develop advanced semiconductor hardware for next-generation satellite missions.
While Dublin-based InnaLabs secured its second contract with agency for its Ramses mission.
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