Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA): Gravitational Waves
Our basic theory of how the universe evolved predicts gravitational waves. There is strong indirect evidence that they exist. LISA's main goal is to find and observe gravitational waves emitted by massive black holes at the centers of nearby galaxies. This mission is being developed jointly by NASA and the European Space Agency with participation by both JPL and NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center.
Galaxy Evolution Explorer
This mission uses ultraviolet wavelengths to measure the history of star formation 80 percent of the way back to the Big Bang.
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Herschel Space Observatory
With a planned launch in 2007, the Herschel Space Observatory is a space-based telescope that will study the universe by the light of the far-infrared and submillimeter portions of the spectrum.
Spitzer Space Telescope
This mission is an infrared telescope that studies the early universe, old galaxies and forming stars, and will detect dust discs around stars where planets may be forming.
Wide Field and Planetary Camera 2 (WFPC2)
The Wide Field and Planetary Camera 2 is the main instrument aboard NASA's Hubble Space Telescope used for taking general pictures of stars, galaxies and planets. The instrument actually consists for four internal camera systems: three wide-field cameras, and one narrow-field camera.
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