Ground based 2DoF test for LISA and LISA PF

Abstract

On-ground tests are required to study the couplings between LISA test masses and the spacecraft that host them. Very interesting and useful results have already been obtained with a 1 DoF torsion pendulum. In order to study couplings that might act between two or more degrees of freedom in measuring the position and acting on the position of each test mass, a many degrees of freedom facility is needed. Here we present a new 2 DoF double torsion pendulum that will be used to test LISA Gravitational Reference Sensor (GRS) on the ground. The facility will be located at INFN Laboratory at Gran Sasso (LNGS), in order to reduce the local ambient noise that limits the sensitivity of the system. © 2006 IOP Publishing Ltd.