WESTFORD NEEDLES (02380)

COSPAR: 1963-014AA | 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

02380

International Designator

1963-014AA

Epoch

Sun, 19 Jul 2026 01:57:42 GMT

Apogee

Calculating...

Perigee

Calculating...

Inclination

87.20°

Right Ascension

74.45°

Eccentricity

Calculating...

Argument of Perigee

124.01°

Period

165.81 min

Mean Motion

8.68 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 02380U 63014AA  26200.08174397  .00000541  00000+0  20378+0 0  9994
2 02380  87.1965  74.4473 0592384 124.0127 241.8450 08.68476759393849

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

0.1867

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

RCS 0.15

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.

Space Brief 7 Oct 2025

Space Brief 7 Oct 2025

Explore the latest in satellite communications with Cubic's new terminals, strategic acquisitions by Firefly, China's IoT satellite achievements, and key military updates.

X Report 15 Jul 2025

X Report 15 Jul 2025

Crew-11 launch preparations ramp up, Starship propellant production begins, and a global launch roundup highlights upcoming missions.

X Report 7 Sep 2025

X Report 7 Sep 2025

SpaceX launches 24 Starlink satellites, pushing its 2025 total beyond 2,000, while facing community pushback in Florida for its Starship operations.

SpaceX Starfall Reentry Capsule Debuts, X Report 23 Jun 2026

SpaceX Starfall Reentry Capsule Debuts, X Report 23 Jun 2026

SpaceX Starfall reentry capsule debuted June 23: the 2,100 kg disk launched on a Falcon 9 from Cape Canaveral to demo cargo return from orbit.

Space Force Awards $3.2B for Orbital Missile Interceptors | KeepTrack Space Brief

Space Force Awards $3.2B for Orbital Missile Interceptors | KeepTrack Space Brief

Space Force awards $3.2 billion to 12 companies for Golden Dome boost-phase missile interceptor prototypes. Initial operational capability targeted for 2028.

X Report 7 Feb 2025

X Report 7 Feb 2025

DIU explores SpaceX Starship's in-space refueling; Investors advise startups against competing or emulating SpaceX.

X Report 28 Oct 2025

X Report 28 Oct 2025

SpaceX successfully launched 28 Starlink satellites and settled a lawsuit, while Starlink's performance faces scrutiny in Ukraine. Additionally, MTN is enhancing Starlink's business services.

Starship V3 Targets April 2026 Debut, X Report 20 Mar 2026

Starship V3 Targets April 2026 Debut, X Report 20 Mar 2026

Starship V3 targets an April 2026 debut, the ride for next-gen Starlink V3 satellites. Fleet stands at 10,062 working of 11,587 launched.