LAUNCH CENTER

Launch Image
Success
Tue Apr 20 2004
United States Air Force

Gravity Probe B

Launch Successful
LAUNCH PREVIEW

Launch Time

Loading...

(4:57 PM UTC)

Launch Window Start

Loading...

(4:57 PM UTC)

Launch Window End

Loading...

(4:57 PM UTC)

RECOVERY OVERVIEW

Location

No Recovery Specified

Type

No Recovery Specified

Rocket Details

Name:

Delta II 7920-10C

Description:

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.

Delta II 7920-10C rocket
MISSION OVERVIEW
  • Type: Astrophysics
  • 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.
COMPLEX OVERVIEW

Location

Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA

Pad

Space Launch Complex 2W