Gravity Probe B Mission
Launch Status
Success
Date & Time
20 Apr 2004, 4:57pm
UTC
Location
Pad
Space Launch Complex 2W
Launch Service Provider
Vehicle
Mission
Gravity Probe B
Mission Type
Astrophysics
Destination
Low Earth Orbit
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.
Updated: Jan 3, 7:59pm UTC
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