The signature event took place at the International Paris Air Show, in France, and officially kicks off the industrial development of the mission. In collaboration with the LISA team, OHB will now finalise the spacecraft design and begin its construction.

“We are immensely proud that ESA and the scientific community entrust us to implement this groundbreaking science mission. Together with our partners we stand ready to bring LISA to life – pioneering our ability to ‘surf gravitational waves’ and enabling us to see our Universe in a new way,’ says Chiara Pedersoli, CEO of OHB System AG.

“I’m delighted to celebrate the contract signing today with our partners at OHB who will lead on the implementation of this truly ambitious endeavour. LISA represents many years of pioneering technology developments, hope and belief of our scientific community, and steadfast support from our ESA member states. As the first space mission designed to capture gravitational waves, LISA will open a brand-new window on the dark Universe and test the known laws of physics to their extreme,” adds Prof. Carole Mundell, ESA’s Director of Science.

“When it is flying, LISA will also represent the triumph of precision engineering and international cooperation on a new scale, and place Europe at the forefront of space technology and fundamental science.”