2004-014 Success

Delta II | Gravity Probe B

Apr 20, 2004, 04:57 PM UTC

Track in KeepTrack

Launch Overview

Vehicle

Delta 7920-10C

Agency

United States Air Force

Site / Pad

V / SLC2W

Outcome

Success

Flight

D304

COSPAR Designator

2004-014

Mission

Gravity Probe B (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.

Vehicle & Provider

Rocket

Delta II 7920-10C

Provider

United States Air Force

Agency launches

1060 (3 YTD)

Site launches

617 (1 YTD)

Pad launches

71 (1 YTD)

Payloads (1)

Piece Name Owner State Track
2004-014A GP-B MSFC US Track