April 20, 2004 4:57 pm

Gravity Probe B

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Delta II

Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA
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April 20, 2004 4:57 pm

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2026-07-12 08:10:02

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.
Launch Overview
Window Open 16:57 UTC
Window Close 16:57 UTC
Lift Off Apr 20, 2004 · 16:57 UTC
Launch Facility Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA
Launch Pad Space Launch Complex 2W
Target Orbit Low Earth Orbit
Payload Overview
Customer United States Air Force
Payload Gravity Probe B
Rocket Delta II
Destination Low Earth Orbit
Recovery Overview
Landing Location See Mission Notes
Landing Type RTLS / Droneship
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.

Height

LEO Payload

Total Launches

Status

United States Air Force
Space Launch Complex 2W
Launch Overview
Window Open 16:57 UTC
Window Close 16:57 UTC
Lift Off Apr 20, 2004 · 16:57 UTC
Launch Facility Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA
Launch Pad Space Launch Complex 2W
Target Orbit Low Earth Orbit
Payload Overview
Customer United States Air Force
Payload Gravity Probe B
Rocket Delta II
Destination Low Earth Orbit
Recovery Overview
Landing Location See Mission Notes
Landing Type RTLS / Droneship

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