(Nov. 29th) – Gravity in the universe of gravity will be a scientific themes that will be explored by the two major upcoming missions of the European Space Agency. This is what the Science Programme Committee ot the ESA has decided today. The reference mission for the exploration of the gravitational universe is “Evolved Laser Interferometer Space Antenna” or ELISA. The mission will study the universe in a completely different way from any other space mission, revealing gravitational waves. An important and revolutionary step. The observation of gravitational waves in space will prove answers to fundamental questions about the nature and origin of the universe. According to the decision of the ESA, Elisa will be the third great missions, after Juice and Athena+. Stefano Vitale, from the University of Trento and the National Institute of Nuclear Physics, will be scientific manager of Lisa Pathfinder. “The exploration of the gravitational universe is possible only through a space observatory and it will revolutionize astrophysics, cosmology and fundamental physics ,” said Vitale. “For this reason – he adds – it is a very important decision. The ESA has been working for many years with the possibility to create an observatory of this kind, with the fundamental contribution of ASI and other European agencies, and thanks to the develop of the Lisa Pathfinder mission. This mission will be launched in a year and a half and will carry out a full in-orbit testing of the equipment necessary for observers of this type”. (Peg)
