WESTFORD NEEDLES (02377)

COSPAR: 1963-014X | Alt Name: West Ford dipoles

Image
WESTFORD NEEDLES Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

May 9, 1963

Launch Site

AFWTR

Launch Pad

LC1-2

Launch Vehicle

Atlas Agena B

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

02377

International Designator

1963-014X

Epoch

Fri, 22 May 2026 04:08:24 GMT

Apogee

Calculating...

Perigee

Calculating...

Inclination

87.41°

Right Ascension

166.54°

Eccentricity

Calculating...

Argument of Perigee

301.30°

Period

165.77 min

Mean Motion

8.69 rev/day

Latitude

Calculating...

Longitude

Calculating...

Altitude

Calculating...

Velocity

Calculating...

Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info

Name

WESTFORD NEEDLES

Alternative Name

West Ford dipoles

Type

Debris

Status

Space Junk

Owner

AFSSD

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs
1 02377U 63014X   26142.17251139 -.00000717  00000-0 -28915+0 0  9998
2 02377  87.4053 166.5370 0483010 301.2951  54.1467  8.68672115923749

Source: Celestrak

Summary
Space debris, also known as space junk, encompasses all non-functional objects orbiting Earth such as defunct satellites, spent rocket stages, and fragments from collisions or disintegrations. Over time, this debris can accumulate and create an increasingly hazardous environment in orbit. Even tiny fragments, traveling at extremely high velocities, can inflict significant damage on operational satellites and spacecraft. If left unmanaged, the density of debris raises the risk of catastrophic collisions and further fragmentation, compounding the problem and threatening the safety and sustainability of space activities.
Physical Characteristics

Length

0

Diameter

0

Span

0

Dry Mass

0

Launch Mass

0

Shape

N/A

Radar Cross Section

0.1954

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

RCS 0.18

Purpose

Unknown

Mission

Unknown

Manufacturer

Unknown

Life Expectancy

Unknown

Bus

Unknown

Configuration

Unknown

Motor

Unknown

Equipment

Unknown

Power System

Unknown

ADCS

Unknown

Transmitter Frequency

Unknown

Map
This tool will help you track the satellite's position and predict its upcoming passes over your location. Simply input the coordinates or click the geolocation button to get started.
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration

Satellite Articles

View All Posts »

Learn more about satellites and other related topics.

Object 100000 and the Sky That Outgrew Its Catalog

Object 100000 and the Sky That Outgrew Its Catalog

On July 11, 2026, a Portuguese satellite named after a Nobel laureate became the first object to carry catalog number 100000. It broke a five-digit numbering limit that had held since Sputnik, and exposed how unprepared decades of tracking software is for a sky this crowded.

X Report 5 Dec 2025

X Report 5 Dec 2025

SpaceX made significant strides with the launch of 28 Starlink satellites while navigating regulatory challenges regarding rural broadband funding. Additionally, developments on the Crew Dragon mission continue to evolve with a change in cosmonaut assignment.

X Report 26 Aug 2025

X Report 26 Aug 2025

SpaceX's ongoing challenges with the Starship Flight 10 launch are prominent today, as weather and technical issues continue to push back the schedule. Meanwhile, successful cargo missions to the ISS highlight the company's ongoing commitment to space operations.

Falcon 9 Resumes Flights, Starbase Approved to Double in Size | KeepTrack X Report

Falcon 9 Resumes Flights, Starbase Approved to Double in Size | KeepTrack X Report

Falcon 9 resumes flights with 25 Starlink satellites from Vandenberg. SpaceX test-fires rocket ahead of Crew-12 launch. Starbase approved to nearly double its launch site footprint.

Falcon Heavy Returns After 18-Month Hiatus | KeepTrack X Report

Falcon Heavy Returns After 18-Month Hiatus | KeepTrack X Report

SpaceX's Falcon Heavy flew for the first time in 18 months on April 29, while Starlink hit 51 Falcon 9 launches in 2026 with 10,280 satellites working.

Space Brief 17 Feb 2025

Space Brief 17 Feb 2025

Today's brief covers the first astronaut with a disability preparing for the ISS mission, SpaceX’s recent Starlink launch, funding breakthroughs for satellite tech company K2 Space, and updates on the Artemis program's challenges.

Graveyard Orbit

Graveyard Orbit

The final resting place for retired satellites, a disposal orbit where defunct spacecraft are sent to stay out of the way

The Day America's Spy Satellites Gained New Eyes

The Day America's Spy Satellites Gained New Eyes

Sixty-three years ago, a Thor-Agena rocket launched the first dual-camera reconnaissance satellite, revolutionizing space-based intelligence while hiding behind the final use of a famous cover name