PADAriane Launch Area 1 (ELV)
SITEGuiana Space Centre, French Guiana →ORBITHeliocentric L1
TYPEAstrophysics
MISSION OVERVIEW
LISA Pathfinder will pave the way for future missions by testing in flight the very concept of gravitational wave detection: it will put two test masses in a near-perfect gravitational free-fall and control and measure their motion with unprecedented accuracy. LISA Pathfinder will use the latest technology to minimise the extra forces on the test masses, and to take measurements. The inertial sensors, the laser metrology system, the drag-free control system and an ultra-precise micro-propulsion system make this a highly unusual mission.
LAUNCH DETAILS
VEHICLE
VegaAGENCY
ArianespaceMISSION
LISA Pathfinder
MISSION TYPE
Astrophysics
TARGET ORBIT
Heliocentric L1
LAUNCH PAD
Ariane Launch Area 1 (ELV)LAUNCH SITE
Guiana Space Centre, French GuianaCOUNTRY
FRA
LAUNCH TIME VERIFICATION
CONFIRMEDPrecision: Half-year
LAUNCH LIBRARY 2 PRIMARY
API ID: ce4add79-a6fc-4591-a255-6a763d563f6f
Reported date: Dec 3, 2015 at 04:04 UTC
Last synced: 1 hour ago
This launch date and time are confirmed by the launch provider. Countdown is active.
LAUNCH MAP
PAD WEATHER
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VEHICLE — Vega →
MANUFACTURER
Avio S.p.A
FLIGHTS
22
SUCCESSES
20
SUCCESS RATE
90.9%
Vega is the smallest lifter in the current Arianespace family.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When is the Vega | LISA Pathfinder launch?
The Vega | LISA Pathfinder is scheduled for Thursday, December 3, 2015 at 4:04 AM UTC. This is the NET (No Earlier Than) time and may be subject to change. Current status: SUCCESS.
What rocket is being used for LISA Pathfinder?
The Vega | LISA Pathfinder mission uses the Vega rocket, manufactured by Avio S.p.A. The Vega has flown 22 times with a 90.9% success rate.
Where is the Vega | LISA Pathfinder launching from?
The launch takes place from Ariane Launch Area 1 (ELV) at Guiana Space Centre, French Guiana.
What orbit is LISA Pathfinder going to?
The LISA Pathfinder mission is targeting Heliocentric L1.
Who is launching LISA Pathfinder?
The Vega | LISA Pathfinder is operated by Arianespace.
Can I watch the Vega | LISA Pathfinder launch live?
Yes. Visit the launch detail page on Space Launch Live for embedded YouTube webcasts, replay videos, and links to live coverage from SpaceX, NASA, NASASpaceflight, and other channels.
LAUNCH TIMELINE
Mar 29, 2026 00:03 UTC
Launch added to tracker
Imported from Launch Library 2 API
Mar 29, 2026 00:03 UTC
Launch date set: Dec 3, 2015 at 04:04 UTC
NET (No Earlier Than) confirmed by Arianespace
Mar 29, 2026 00:03 UTC
Launch completed successfully
Updated via Launch Library 2
LIVE DATA SOURCES
Last data sync: 1 hour ago
●Launch Library 21 hour ago
Launch ID: ce4add79-a6fc-4591-a255-6a763d563f6f
●Spaceflight News API1 hour ago
1 article matched
●Open-Meteo Weather1 hour ago
Pad weather at 5.24, -52.78
●YouTube Video Search3 weeks ago
1 video discovered
