Artist's impression of ESA's LISA Pathfinder and its propulsion module after separation. Credit: ESA

The European Space Agency says it's preparing for the launch of a probe that will test technology for a future mission to measure gravitational waves.

The agency says the launch from French Guiana is scheduled for Thursday 0104 local time (0404 GMT).

Engineers had checked a technical problem that had been discovered in the Vega rocket and postponed the lift-off into orbit which was initially planned for Wednesday. ESA said in a statement the check had "provided satisfactory results."

Scientists hope the $450-million LISA Pathfinder mission will demonstrate it's possible to shield objects from external influences well enough to detect the minute effects of gravitational waves.

Explore further European Space Agency delays launch of gravity probe

More information: Mission website: Mission website: sci.esa.int/lisapf

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