Abstract
The Gravitational Reference Sensor (GRS) electronics is a crucial element of the future space-borne gravitational wave observatory. Together with the optical metrology system, it provides position measurements of the sensor’s reference body, a Test Mass (TM), for all axes. This is needed for precise spacecraft control. In addition, the GRS electronics can actuate the TM using electrostatic forces, which is used to keep the TM centered in its enclosure or to follow a certain guidance. The GRS electronics has been successfully tested during the LISA Pathfinder mission, launched in December 2015. The electronics has been designed in Switzerland by RUAG and HES-SO under supervision of ETH Zurich and University of Zurich. The paper describes the working principle and the adopted technical solutions for the LISA Pathfinder GRS electronics and for the LISA GRS electronics prototype. Both confirm the readiness of the technology for LISA.
Highlights
The Gravitational Reference Sensor (GRS) electronics is a crucial element of the future space-borne gravitational wave observatory
The GRS electronics has been successfully tested during the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) Pathfinder mission, launched in December 2015
In order to reduce the stray acceleration on Test Mass (TM) or to add some guidance, force signals are provided by numerically synthesized AC waveforms at audio frequencies (60 – 270 Hz), not to interfere with the sensing circuit operated at 100 kHz
Summary
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