Alternative use case for LISA
The Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) is primarily designed to detect gravitational waves. Researchers are now exploring whether the same instrument could be repurposed to determine the mass of asteroids.
Why asteroid mass is hard to measure
Estimating an asteroid's mass is notoriously difficult, yet it is essential for assessing impact hazards and evaluating potential resource deposits. Current approaches rely on optical observations combined with density estimates inferred from the object's spectral characteristics.
Potential role of LISA
LISA will consist of three spacecraft forming a triangle millions of kilometres across, exchanging laser beams to monitor minute changes in their separations. Scientists propose that these ultra‑precise distance measurements could also capture the subtle gravitational influence of a nearby asteroid on the spacecraft, providing a direct mass measurement.
Advantages of this method
- Provides mass data without assuming a density value
- Improves risk assessments for possible impacts
- Offers reliable information for future asteroid mining initiatives
Planned next steps
The team intends to run detailed simulations to evaluate LISA's sensitivity to asteroids of varying size and distance. Positive outcomes could allow the mission to deliver additional scientific returns alongside its primary gravitational‑wave objectives.