NASA Contributions to LISA: Telescopes for Space-Based Gravitational-Wave Observatories

The distances between the LISA spacecraft are so vast that it is necessary to efficiently transmit light from one spacecraft to another. LISA uses optical telescopes to simultaneously transmit and receive the laser light between widely-spaced pairs of spacecraft in order to deliver enough light to make the interferometric distance measurement at the required precision. The telescopes are designed to function as afocal beam expanders with pupil relays optimized to minimize the cross-coupling of angular jitter into pathlength. Each pair of telescopes is in series with the interferometric measurement path between the LISA test masses and therefore the optical pathlength through the telescope must be extremely stable so as not to mask gravitational wave signals with the distortions of the telescope. This requires careful selection of materials and a design that is insensitive to environmental disturbances. With a primary mirror diameter of roughly 30cm (~1 foot), it is not the largest telescope NASA has ever developed, but meeting the requirements presents some unique challenges.

Engineering Development Unit (EDU) to test design concept for flight Potential technology contributions to the ESA-led LISA Mission Applications: • Flagship gravitational-wave mission (LISA) • Laser ranging and/or optical communications • Precision metrology

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 4) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.