In search of Albert Einstein’s gravitational waves
Bern, 27.11.2015 - A century ago, Albert Einstein predicted the existence of gravitational waves in his work on the Theory of General Relativity. Proving the existence of gravitational waves is expected to bring about a huge leap forward in our understanding of physics. LISA pathfinder, the space mission planned by the European Space Agency (ESA), aims to confirm that we now possess the technology needed to detect gravitational waves.
Following a successful launch of the LISA pathfinder – scheduled to take place on 2 December – the two free-floating test masses within the satellite are set to demonstrate over a period of twelve months whether the technology designed by physicists and engineers and built in Europe is able to detect gravitational waves. Swiss science and industry have made some small yet important contributions to the LISA Pathfinder mission, both for the actual vehicle and for the payload.
Address for enquiries
Andreas Werthmueller
Scientific Advisor
Space Sciences and Instruments
State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation SERI
Swiss Space Office
Einsteinstrasse 2, CH-3003 Bern
Tel. +41 58 483 35 95
Fax +41 58 464 96 14
andreas.werthmueller@sbfi.admin.ch
Publisher
State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation
http://www.sbfi.admin.ch
