NASA wants at least one new joint science mission with Europe even as budget tensions test transatlantic ties, reports said on October 7. The Laser Interferometer Space Antenna, or LISA, is the prime candidate. The ambitious observatory will fly three spacecraft in formation millions of miles apart to detect gravitational waves from black hole mergers.

ESA leads the project, and NASA had agreed to supply lasers, telescopes and charge management devices. But repeated White House budget requests sought to cut that participation, and ESA awarded a 26.1 million euro contract to Thales Alenia Space in May to develop the telescopes itself.

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman has stressed partnerships must deliver clear value. A source called LISA a very good deal for the US. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman has stressed that partnerships must deliver clear value for the US. A source close to the agency called LISA a very good deal for the US, as both sides finish major projects together.