NASA launces satellite to test Einstein theories

Wednesday, April 21, 2004

LOS ANGELES -- NASA launched into orbit Tuesday a $750 million satellite conceived during the Eisenhower administration to test two of Albert Einstein's fundamental predictions about the universe. The Gravity Probe B satellite blasted off from an oceanside pad at Vandenberg Air Force Base aboard a Delta II rocket. The satellite separated from the rocket 75 minutes later and began its 18-month mission, officials said. The launch of the 6,800-pound, Lockheed Martin Corp.-built spacecraft marked the end of the longest development period of any mission in the history of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

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