The Digital Press

The European Space Agency has begun building LISA, the first space-based gravitational wave detector, set to launch in 2035 to study massive black holes.

Why it matters: LISA will detect low-frequency gravitational waves from supermassive black hole mergers unreachable by Earth-based observatories.

The big picture: The mission expands gravitational wave astronomy beyond LIGO’s range, enabling months- or years-long observations of cosmic events.

The stakes: NASA funding cuts risk delaying or downsizing the mission, potentially impacting international collaboration and technological development.

Commenters say: Enthusiasm centers on LISA’s groundbreaking science potential, while concerns focus on technical challenges and funding uncertainties.