We report on progress in the development of free-falling moving test-masses
for LISA and for the related technology demonstration mission. We present
simple formulae to evaluate the performance of the device as a function of
the various design parameters, and we compare them with preliminary experim
ental results from a test prototype we are developing. Quantitative agreeme
nt is found. Finally, we present a control law, along with a performance si
mulation, for low-frequency electrostatic suspension of the test-mass with
minimal perturbation of the motion within the measuring frequency band.