Thales Alenia Space has signed a 26.1 million euro phase 1 contract with the European Space Agency for developing the telescopes on the LISA mission. The agreement covers design, assembly, and testing of six Zerodur telescopes, with Thales SESO handling optics procurement, machining, and polishing.
The LISA mission, or Laser Interferometer Space Antenna, involves three satellites forming a 2.5 million kilometer equilateral triangle to detect gravitational waves using laser interferometry. Each satellite carries two test masses, with beams measuring displacements at picometer precision. Launch is planned for 2035 on an Ariane 6 rocket.
This contract builds on prior Thales Alenia Space agreements with prime contractor OHB System AG, including a June 2025 deal for avionics, control software, telecommunications, and the drag-free attitude control system, plus a January 2026 16.5 million euro propulsion subsystem contract potentially expanding to 89.5 million euros. Thales Alenia Space sites in France, Italy, the UK, and Switzerland contribute various components, with Leonardo providing micro propulsion assemblies.
Filippo Marliani, LISA Project Manager at ESA, noted the partnership with Thales SESO mitigates risks for the telescopes development, with initial results expected by year-end.