WESTFORD NEEDLES (02429)

COSPAR: 1963-014DG | Alt Name: deb West Ford (1966-00B)

DECAYED

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

02429

International Designator

1963-014DG

Decay Date

1/1/1979

Explore in the Catalog

United States satellites Debris

Basic Satellite Info

Name

WESTFORD NEEDLES

Alternative Name

deb West Ford (1966-00B)

Type

Debris

Status

Space Junk

Owner

AFSSD

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

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

Diameter

Span

Dry Mass

Launch Mass

Shape

N/A

Radar Cross Section

Unknown

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

[UNID002 1966-000B]

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

Satellite Articles

View All Posts »

Learn more about satellites and other related topics.

Space Brief 15 Sep 2025

Discover the latest in satellite tracking with key topics covering the launch of Tranche 1 satellites for the Space Development Agency, a record-setting Transporter-15 mission by Exolaunch, and new defense-focused satellite connectivity solutions by Satlink and Rivada.

China Files Plans for 200,000-Satellite Megaconstellation With ITU | KeepTrack Space Brief

China files ITU paperwork for megaconstellations totaling nearly 200,000 satellites. SpaceX launches first rideshare mission of 2026 from Vandenberg. NASA plans ISS crew medical evacuation.

Space Brief 22 Feb 2025

Today's brief covers a reveal from the US Space Force of the X-37B space plane in orbit, a developing defense shakeup involving key military leaders, confirmation of advanced federated ICAM connections by the DoD, and SAAB's plan for a Euro defense coalition. Plus, we spotlight the BDSAT-2 CubeSat.

Space Brief 1 Dec 2025

Today's brief covers China's latest classified satellite launch, breakups in orbital refueling experiments, exciting advancements in microsatellites, and SpaceX's remarkable strides in spaceflight.

Firefly Alpha Returns to Flight After Anomaly | KeepTrack Space Brief

Firefly Aerospace launches return-to-flight Firefly Alpha on March 10 after Flight 6 anomaly. SpaceX also launches EchoStar 25 GEO satellite and multiple Starlink batches this week.

Space Brief 21 Jun 2025

Today's brief highlights a Pentagon satellite network challenge, the expanding use of AI in military strategy, and advancements in commercial launch vehicle production.

GAO Flags Risks in SDA Missile-Tracking Satellites, Lawmakers Push GPS Anti-Jam | KeepTrack Space Brief

GAO warns SDA missile-tracking satellite program overestimates tech readiness. SPACECOM pushes expanded on-orbit warfighting exercises. Congress advocates for enhanced GPS anti-jam capabilities.

X Report 16 Nov 2025

SpaceX successfully launched 29 Starlink satellites on November 14, marking the first of two rapid-fire Falcon 9 missions from Florida's Space Coast in under four hours.