Delta II | Gravity Probe B

Success

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 type: Astrophysics · Orbit: Low Earth Orbit

Rocket: Delta II · Provider: United States Air Force

Launch pad

Space Launch Complex 2W, Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA · View on map (opens in new tab)