I found this on the http://ilrs.gsfc.nasa.gov/satellite_missions/list_of_satellites/gravity_prob e/ site It stated that the inclination is 90 degrees. Courtesy of Stanford University Gravity Probe B Mission Objectives: Gravity Probe B (GP-B) is the relativity gyroscope experiment being developed by NASA and Stanford University to test two extraordinary, unverified predictions of Albert Einstein's general theory of relativity. The experiment will check, very precisely, tiny changes in the direction of spin of four gyroscopes contained in an Earth satellite orbiting at 400-mile altitude directly over the poles. So free are the gyroscopes from disturbance that they will provide an almost perfect space-time reference system. They will measure how space and time are warped by the presence of the Earth, and, more profoundly, how the Earth's rotation drags space-time around with it. These effects, though small for the Earth, have far-reaching implications for the nature of matter and the structure of the Universe. ILRS Mission Support Status: Satellite laser ranging will be used in conjugation with GPS data to determine a precision orbit. View the GP-B Mission Support Request Form. Instrumentation: Gravity Probe B will have the following instrumentation onboard: 1) Four gyroscopes 2) Quartz telescope 3) GPS receiver 4) Retroreflector array RetroReflector Array (RRA) Characteristics: The retroreflector array is to be determined. Additional information: Additional Links Gravity Probe B Parameters Sponsor: United States Expected Life: 1-2 years Primary Applications: relativity experiment Primary Applications: precision orbit determination COSPAR ID: to be assigned SIC Code: to be assigned NORAD SSC Code: to be assigned Launch Date: 2002 RRA Diameter: to be determined RRA Shape: to be determined Reflectors: to be determined Orbit: polar Inclination: 90 Eccentricity: to be determined Perigee: 650 km Period: to be determined Weight: 3334 kg Greetings and clear, dark skies Leo Barhorst Medemblik Cospar 4252 52.76350 N 5.09114 E 2 m ASL http://www.home.zonnet.nl/leobarhorst/index.html ----------------------------------------------------------------- To unsubscribe from SeeSat-L, send a message with 'unsubscribe' in the SUBJECT to SeeSat-L-request@satobs.org List archived at http://www.satobs.org/seesat/seesatindex.html
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