Premium video content for our Spaceflight Now Plus subscribers. Gravity Probe-B flies The Boeing Delta 2 rocket launches with NASA's Gravity Probe-B spacecraft from Vandenberg Air Force Base, California. (4min 16sec file) Play video Umbilicals Umbilicals connecting the Delta rocket to the launch pad yank away as the vehicle lifts off. (175sec file) Play video Tower view Liftoff as seen from a camera mounted on the mobile service tower next to the Delta 2 rocket. (26sec file) Play video Back side A camera positioned on the back side of the Space Launch Complex-2 West provides this angle of liftoff. (19sec file) Play video Separation! The Gravity Probe-B spacecraft is successfully deployed from the Delta rocket as seen by an onboard video camera. (2min 20sec file) Play video Post-launch chat An interview with NASA launch manager Chuck Dovale following the successful deployment of Gravity Probe-B. (2min 20sec file) Play video Become a subscriber More GP-B video!
Launch photo gallery SPACEFLIGHT NOW Posted: April 20, 2004
The Boeing Delta 2 rocket is fueled up during the countdown on April 19. But this first launch attempt ended in a cliffhanger three minutes before liftoff time when officials ruled there wasn't sufficient time to ensure the correct high-altitude wind data had been loaded into the rocket's guidance computer. Liftoff was scrubbed 24 hours. Credit: William G. Hartenstein
The Boeing Delta 2 rocket launches with NASA's Gravity Probe-B spacecraft from Vandenberg Air Force Base, California. (4min 16sec file)
Umbilicals connecting the Delta rocket to the launch pad yank away as the vehicle lifts off. (175sec file)
Liftoff as seen from a camera mounted on the mobile service tower next to the Delta 2 rocket. (26sec file)
A camera positioned on the back side of the Space Launch Complex-2 West provides this angle of liftoff. (19sec file)
The Gravity Probe-B spacecraft is successfully deployed from the Delta rocket as seen by an onboard video camera. (2min 20sec file)
An interview with NASA launch manager Chuck Dovale following the successful deployment of Gravity Probe-B. (2min 20sec file)