Delta II | Gravity Probe B

Operated by United States Air Force, the Astrophysics mission Delta II | Gravity Probe B delivered its payload into LEO.

Launch time
Status
SUCCESS
Operator
United States Air Force
Mission type
Astrophysics
Rocket
Delta II
Launch site
Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA
Launch pad
Space Launch Complex 2W
Payload
—
Target orbit
LEO
Delta II | Gravity Probe B cover image

Mission timeline

  1. 2004-04-20T16:57:24.000Z
    Liftoff
    Liftoff confirmed — Delta II is airborne.
  2. Max-Q
    Max Q — Delta II endures peak structural stress during ascent.
  3. Main engine cutoff (MECO)
    First-stage main engine cutoff (MECO) confirmed.
  4. Stage separation
    The spent first stage separates from the upper stage.
  5. Second-stage ignition
    Upper stage ignites, continuing the journey toward orbit.
  6. Orbit insertion
    The mission reaches LEO, successfully entering orbit.
  7. Mission success
    The mission concludes successfully.

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