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Gravity Probe B
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Status
Launch Successful
The launch vehicle successfully inserted its payload(s) into the target orbit(s).
Description
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.
Details
Type
Astrophysics
Orbit
Low Earth Orbit (LEO)
Location
Unknown
Date
Tue, Apr 20, 2004, 16:57
Rocket