Teledyne Space Imaging has been awarded the role of Prime Contractor for the Constellation Acquisition Sensor (CAS) instrument on ESA’s Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) mission. This groundbreaking initiative will establish the first space-based observatory dedicated to studying gravitational waves, ripples in space-time caused by events such as black hole mergers.
Teledyne will deliver six CIS220 detectors and associated control electronics for the CAS instrument, leveraging its proven expertise in imaging sensor technology and proximity electronics. These components are integral to the CAS instrument’s ability to establish precise interferometric laser links between spacecraft, enabling the mission’s unprecedented gravitational wave detection capabilities. Teledyne is partnering with Thales Alenia Space in Switzerland, which is responsible for the optical head.
Enabling Gravitational Wave Research
LISA will consist of three spacecraft positioned in a triangular formation, separated by millions of kilometers, forming a single gravitational wave observatory. The CAS instrument, with Teledyne as its Prime Contractor, will transform the laser links between these spacecraft into an interferometric system capable of detecting gravitational waves. This will allow scientists to study compact binary star formations, the structure of the Milky Way, and the origins of black holes, while probing the universe’s expansion.
“LISA is an endeavour that has never been tried yet,” noted Filippo Marliani, LISA project manager at ESA. “This unique ESA-led mission, made in partnership with our Member States and NASA, will be a breakthrough in astrophysics and space exploration. Teledyne Space Imaging, and its partner Thales Alenia Space in Switzerland, will contribute to make it possible with the challenging work on the CAS instrument. I am very much looking forward to this renewed collaboration with them.”
Building on LISA Pathfinder
The CAS instrument builds on the legacy of the LISA Pathfinder mission, an ESA technology demonstrator that validated key technologies required for gravitational wave detection. Contributions to LISA Pathfinder came from ESA Member States including Italy (ASI), Germany (DLR), the UK (UKSA), France (CNES), Spain (CDTI), Switzerland (SSO), and the Netherlands (SRON), along with NASA’s Disturbance Reduction System payload.
A Collaborative Effort
“We are very excited to be Prime Contractor for the CAS instrument on such an exciting space observatory mission as LISA,” said Daniel Waller, Vice-President and General Manager of Teledyne Space Imaging. “Our image sensor technology sits at the cutting edge of what could be a total game changer for the space observation sector. We are thrilled to be consolidating our work with NASA and ESA into 2025 and beyond, especially after our involvement in the UK TRUTHS climate change observation space mission last year.”
Thales Alenia Space’s contribution to the CAS instrument plays a pivotal role in this collaboration. “We are extremely proud of our contribution to the success of this mission, and look forward to the exciting and challenging developments to come! We are thrilled to collaborate with Teledyne and look forward to strengthening our partnership on other projects in the future.” said Elisabetta Rugi Grond, CEO of Thales Alenia Space in Switzerland. “This is not just a contract, but a significant breakthrough in the field of astrophysics and space exploration. We look forward to sharing new information with you as we embark on this ambitious adventure together!”
Alan Soutar, LISA Project Director at Teledyne Space Imaging, echoed the importance of collaboration, saying: “We recognise that the success of ambitious missions such a LISA depends on collaboration of the best capabilities to push the boundaries of science. We look forward to our partnership with Elisabetta and her team.”
Expanding the Horizons of Astrophysics
LISA is the third large (L3) mission in ESA’s Cosmic Vision program and involves significant contributions from NASA and ESA Member States. Led by the Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics, LISA represents a global collaboration to explore the origins and evolution of the universe.
“Teledyne has a strong heritage in providing cutting-edge sensors and electronics for major space science missions,” added Caroline Harper, Head of Space Science at the UK Space Agency. “This contract to deliver a crucial element of the mission hardware marks another milestone for Teledyne in the UK and showcases the importance of global collaboration between space agencies and companies to advance our collective knowledge. We eagerly anticipate the breakthrough science we can expect from LISA, which will enhance our understanding of the Universe and life on Earth.”
About Teledyne Space Imaging
Teledyne Space Imaging is a global leader in engineered and complex space solutions, specializing in advanced electronics, imaging, and sensor systems for the growing space economy. For more information, please click here.
About LISA
LISA is an ESA-led mission with vital contributions from NASA and member states. Selected in 2017 as the third large mission in ESA’s Cosmic Vision program, LISA represents a collaborative effort by the global scientific community to explore the origins and evolution of the universe. For more information about LISA, please click here.
Source/Photo Credit: Teledyne Space Imaging
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