LISA Pathfinder first results

Abstract

LISA Pathfinder (LPF) is an in-flight technological demonstrator designed and launched to prove the feasibility of sub-femto-g free fall of kilo-sized test masses (TM), an essential ingredient for the future gravitational wave observatory from space. Half a year after launch, the first results are available and show an incredibly well-performing instrument. The results represent a first and important step towards the long awaited construction and launch of LISA, the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna.