Use of drag-free spacecraft in the detection of low-frequency gravitational radiation

Yusuf R. Jafry

doi:10.1117/12.456760

26 February 2003 Use of drag-free spacecraft in the detection of low-frequency gravitational radiation

Yusuf R. Jafry

Proceedings Volume 4856, Gravitational-Wave Detection; (2003) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.456760
Event: Astronomical Telescopes and Instrumentation, 2002, Waikoloa, Hawai'i, United States

Abstract

The detection of low-frequency gravitational radiation requires a space-borne detector, principally to escape the effects of seismic noise which plague ground-based detectors at low frequencies. Although the seismic disturbance is eliminated, the space environment introduces its own set of problems. For example, solar radiation pressure. This can be shielded by the technique of 'drag-free control', whereby the spacecraft encompassing the test mass provides protection from the external distrubances. A feedback control system ensures that the spacecraft remains 'centered' on the internal mass, while at the same time being physically de-coupled from it. As well as attenuating the external disturbances, the drag-free controls system must minimize the relative motion between the spacecraft and test mass, in order to reduce forces arising from dynamic coupling between the two. Missions like LISA which will perform ultra-precise interferometric measurements require drag-free thruster and sensor technologies with extremely low noise levels. An overveiw of the requirements and the technologies currently being pursued for the LISA drag-free control system is presented.

Citation Download Citation

Yusuf R. Jafry "Use of drag-free spacecraft in the detection of low-frequency gravitational radiation", Proc. SPIE 4856, Gravitational-Wave Detection, (26 February 2003); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.456760

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available