title: gLISA: geosynchronous laser interferometer space antenna concepts with off-the-shelf satellites.
abstract: We discuss two geosynchronous gravitational wave (GW) mission concepts, which we generically name gLISA. One relies on the science instrument hosting program onboard geostationary commercial satellites, while the other takes advantage of recent developments in the aerospace industry that result in dramatic satellite and launching vehicle cost reductions for a dedicated geosynchronous mission. To achieve the required level of disturbance free-fall onboard these large and heavy platforms, we propose a new drag-free system, which we have named "two-stage" drag-free. It incorporates the Modular Gravitational Reference Sensor (developed at Stanford University) and does not rely on the use of μN thrusters. Although both mission concepts are characterized by different technical and programmatic challenges, individually they could be flown and operated at a cost significantly lower than those of previously envisioned gravitational wave missions, and in the year 2015 we will perform at JPL a detailed selecting mission analysis.
authors: Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, MS. 238-737, 4800 Oak Grove Drive, Pasadena, California 91109, USA.
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Tinto
authors: Hansen Experimental Physics Laboratory, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, USA.
authors: D
authors: D
authors: DeBra
authors: Hansen Experimental Physics Laboratory, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, USA.
authors: S
authors: S
authors: Buchman
authors: Space Systems/Loral (SSL), 3825 Fabian Way, Palo Alto, California 94303, USA.
authors: S
authors: S
authors: Tilley