USAF Delta II 7920-10C Gravity Probe B
Delta II 7920-10C
Status
Success
Date
20 APR 2004
16:57
Mission Overview
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.
Rocket
Delta II 7920-10C
Mission Type
Astrophysics
Orbit
Low Earth Orbit
Stages
2
Livestream
Not availableRocket Details
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.
Height
38.7 m
Diameter
2.4 m