Delta II | Gravity Probe B
Gravity Probe B (GP-B) was a satellite-based experiment to test two unverified predictions of general relativity: the geodetic effect and frame-dragging. This was to be accomplished by measuring, very precisely, tiny changes in the direction of spin of four gyroscopes contained in an Earth-orbiting satellite at 650 km (400 mi) altitude, crossing directly over the poles.
Delta II is an American space launch system developed by McDonnell Douglas, now part of the Delta rocket family operated by United Launch Alliance. With more than 150 missions and a nearly perfect track record, Delta II has established itself as one of the most successful orbital launch systems.
When is the Delta II | Gravity Probe B launch?
What rocket is being used for Gravity Probe B?
Where is the Delta II | Gravity Probe B launching from?
What orbit is Gravity Probe B going to?
Who is launching Gravity Probe B?
Can I watch the Delta II | Gravity Probe B launch live?
Mission Profile
Gravity Probe B was a Delta II 7920-10C mission operated by United States Air Force that lifted off from Space Launch Complex 2W, Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA on April 20, 2004. The flight carried its payload on a astrophysics mission to Low Earth Orbit. The launch was a success.