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.

Mission Details

  • Launch date: April 20, 2004 at 04:57 PM UTC
  • Launch vehicle: Delta II
  • Operator: United States Air Force
  • Launch site: Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA
  • Mission type: Astrophysics