LISA stands for Laser Interferometer Space Antenna and is the first space mission to measure gravitational waves - tiny distortions of space-time as predicted by Einstein. LISA will observe merging black holes and other extreme cosmic events using laser measuring paths millions of kilometers long. Astronomer Nora Lützgendorf gives fascinating insights into the scientific goals, the technology behind LISA and why this mission could change our view of the universe.

Dr. Nora Lützgendorf is an astrophysicist and head of the LISA discovery mission. She currently lives and conducts research in Noordwijk in the Netherlands on behalf of the European Space Agency (ESA).