Beyond Einstein Flagship Missions
Probing Dark Energy

Beyond Einstein will build on the spectacular scientific contributions of the current generation of space science missions, such as the Chandra X-ray Observatory, the Hubble Space Telescope, and the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe (WMAP). The program began with funding in 2004. It represents the combined effort of the particle physics and astronomy communities. NASA will search for answers in space, while other agencies will concentrate mainly on ground- and balloon-based instruments and observatories. Together we will find answers to some of the most profound scientific questions of our day.

The central element of the Beyond Einstein program is a pair of flagship missions currently in an early stage of development: Constellation-X and LISA—the so-called Einstein Great Observatories. A series of Einstein Probes are also being planned, each focusing on one of the three central science topics: the Big Bang, black holes, and dark energy.

What we learn from Constellation-X and LISA together will help us grasp the origin and nature of the giant black holes in the centers of galaxies. Insight from these missions combined with data from the Einstein Probes will bring us a level of understanding of strong gravity and dark energy never before possible.

All of these missions will go hand-in-hand with a program of technology development and theoretical studies to achieve the ultimate goal—Vision Missions to image black holes and discern what caused the Big Bang itself.