Scientists are currently planning on using the European Space Agency's (ESA) LISA Pathfinder probe to help develop technology that will eventually let them detect the ripples created from cosmic collisions, according to Mashable. These gravitational waves, which have never been directly observed before, can stem from two black holes that end up merging and sending out ripples through space-time. Using data from the probe, scientists may be able to gain evidence that will help them confirm another part of Albert Einstein's general theory of relativity.
In order to develop a technology that can accurately detect gravitational waves, scientists will need to test the propulsion system as well as various other engineering components used by the LISA Pathfinder in the upcoming mission set to launch Thursday. From these tests, the scientists hope to eventually launch a larger craft that can detect these waves in the midst of cosmic noise.
"With LISA Pathfinder we will demonstrate crucial technologies for future missions such as eLISA and will be one large step closer to the detection of gravitational waves from space," said Karsten Danzmann, director at the Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics in Germany, in a statement.
In order for a gravitational wave detector to work, it must be able to separate the cosmic waves from the multitude of disturbances in the solar system, according to Euronews. Years of research in terrestrial laboratories has allowed scientists to develop ways to detect gravitational waves more accurately in the presence of these disturbances.
"Before trying something new, you need to test the technology first, and that is exactly what LISA Pathfinder will be: a technology demonstration mission," said the ESA. "It will become the first gravitational laboratory in space for fundamental physics and it will test the technologies that will be needed to detect and measure gravitational waves."
