The result of the measurement of frame-dragging by the LARES 2 mission has just been published on Nature: https://rdcu.be/ft31X
Ciufolini, I., Paolozzi, A., Pavlis, E.C. et al. LARES-2 satellite measures frame-dragging effect around the Earth. Nature 655, 332–335 (2026). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-026-10715-0
LARES and LARES 2:
built to test general relativity in space
The LARES missions are primarily aimed at experimentally verifying, through the orbital analysis of the two satellites, an effect predicted by the theory of general relativity: frame-dragging or Lense-Thirring effect. This effect, around the Earth, is caused by the planet’s rotation, which drags the fabric of spacetime and slightly alters the satellites’ orbits.
The two missions are promoted by the Italian Space Agency, which has provided funding as well as coordination and supervision. The School of Aerospace Engineering of Sapienza University of Rome was responsible for the design and testing of some satellite components and is currently carrying out the orbital analysis of LARES 2, while industry partners handled the construction of the satellites and associated support systems.
Further details on the scientific aspects can be found on the dedicated page, while the contributions of the partners are listed at the bottom of this page.
This website was created and is maintained thanks to the following agreements between theItalian Space Agency and the School of Aerospace Engineering of Sapienza University of Rome:
Implementation agreement n. 2017-23-H.0
"Missione LARES 2 – Supporto Scientifico" [LARES 2 Mission – Scientific Support]
Implementation agreement n. 2020-7-HH.0
"Attività di analisi dei dati scientifici della missione LARES 1" [Analysis of scientific data from the LARES 1 mission]
Implementation agreement n. 2024-3-HH.0
"Attività di analisi dei dati scientifici della missione LARES 2" [Analysis of scientific data from the LARES 2 mission]
Scientific goals
The science of LARES and LARES 2
Images
Gallery of images relating to the LARES and LARES 2 missions.
Publications
A collection of the main scientific papers and findings relating to LARES and LARES 2.
VIDEOS AND MORE
LINKS
The LARES and LARES 2 missions are missions by the Italian Space Agency, which is responsible for their funding, coordination and supervision.
Scuola di Ingegneria Aerospaziale – Sapienza
Design of LARES and LARES 2, testing of components, orbital data analysis.
European Space Agency provided the launches for LARES and LARES 2
