In-orbit performance of the laser interferometer of Taiji-1 experimental satellite

Taiji-1, which is the first experimental satellite for space gravitational wave detection in China, relies on key technologies include laser interferometer, reference sensor (GRS), micro-thruster and platform. Similarly to Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) pathfinder, except science optical bench (OB) of Taiji-1 contains test mass (TM) interferometers. Limited by lower mechanical strength carrier rocket orbit environment, OB made invar steel fused silica, it aimed achieve a sensitivity order 100[Formula: see text]pm/[Formula: text]. The results from in-orbit tests demonstrate that interferometer can reach 30[Formula: text] frequency range 0.01–10[Formula: text]Hz, satisfies requirements mission.