News in Brief Astronomy

Space-based probe passes tests for gravitational wave detection

illustration of LISA Pathfinder

LISA Pathfinder (illustrated) has demonstrated that gravitational waves can be detected with an observatory in space.

ESA–C.Carreau

By Christopher Crockett

- More than 2 years ago

Gravitational waves, ripples in the fabric of spacetime, can be detected with a space-based observatory, researchers say.

LISA Pathfinder, a European Space Agency satellite launched on December 3, 2015, has been testing technologies needed to put a gravitational wave detector in space.