From Ars Technica · · 2m
NASA and ESA Forge Space Partnership
NASA and ESA collaborate on LISA mission despite budget tensions.
In brief
NASA and ESA collaborate on LISA mission despite budget tensions. NASA and ESA partner on LISA gravitational wave mission with NASA covering one-third of costs while delivering full science data. Originally reported by Ars Technica.
NASA shifts focus
NASA prioritizes Moon Base over lunar missions and cancels Mars Sample Return after budget exceeds $10 billion.
ESA struggles to find role
European Space Agency seeks place in NASA’s Moon Base program after Lunar Gateway cancellation.
NASA demands contributions
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman requires international partners to make meaningful contributions with greater urgency.
ESA’s cargo lander proposal rejected
NASA dismissed European cargo lander proposal for Moon Base, expecting US-built landers to fill the role sooner.
LISA mission example
Japan provides pressurized lunar rover while Italy builds first Moon Base habitat.
LISA mission concept
LISA mission concept developed for decades but supercharged in 2015 with gravitational wave detection and LISA Pathfinder launch.
LISA mission design
LISA uses three spacecraft in triangle formation 1.6 million miles apart to detect low-frequency gravitational waves.
LISA mission science
LISA will study black hole collisions and galaxy formation while testing Einstein’s theory of relativity.
NASA’s role in LISA
NASA supplies lasers, telescopes, and charge management devices for LISA mission while Europe builds spacecraft.
LISA cost comparison
NASA covers one-third of LISA mission costs while getting 100 percent of science data versus $3 billion for US-only mission.
LISA budget status
ESA approved LISA development in 2024 with 1.75 billion euros budget but NASA’s contribution remains uncommitted.
Trump administration threat
White House proposed canceling NASA’s LISA participation in 2027 budget request despite Congress restoring funding for 2026.
LISA project stability
NASA and ESA have met all deliverables for LISA with no missed commitments despite political tensions.
LISA funding security
Congress funds LISA through 2026 appropriations bill with NASA’s FY ’26 funding ensuring continued commitment.
LISA scientific potential
LISA could detect gravitational waves from early universe and test Einstein’s theory of relativity.
Rosalind Franklin mission
NASA books SpaceX launch for Europe’s Rosalind Franklin Mars rover in 2028 despite White House budget threats.
The bottom line
NASA and ESA partner on LISA gravitational wave mission with NASA covering one-third of costs while delivering full science data.
