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Space-based gravitational wave detection and how LISA Pathfinder successfully paved the way

In 2016 and 2017, the LISA Pathfinder mission successfully proved that the technologies for the space-based gravitational wave detector LISA are ready. LISA is now scheduled to launch in the early 2030s, to open a so far unexploited scientific field.

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Fig. 1: LISA Pathfinder in space.

© ESA — C. Carreau

Fig. 2: LISA Pathfinder.

© ESA/ATG medialab

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Correspondence to Gudrun Wanner.

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Wanner, G. Space-based gravitational wave detection and how LISA Pathfinder successfully paved the way. Nat. Phys. 15, 200–202 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41567-019-0462-3

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