WESTFORD NEEDLES (03175)

COSPAR: 1963-014AY | Alt Name: West Ford dipoles
DECAYED

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

03175

International Designator

1963-014AY

Decay Date

5/21/1968

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

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

Unknown

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

Unknown

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.

X Report 3 Dec 2025

X Report 3 Dec 2025

SpaceX completes multiple successful launches, enhancing its Starlink constellation with new satellites while resolving personnel issues related to Crew 12.

Pentagon Pauses LEO Constellation as Acquisition Reviews Continue | KeepTrack Space Brief

Pentagon Pauses LEO Constellation as Acquisition Reviews Continue | KeepTrack Space Brief

Pentagon puts LEO constellation layers on hold during acquisition review. SpaceX and xAI join $100M autonomous drone contest. China's Zenk Space completes first stage static fire.

Space Brief 4 Apr 2025

Space Brief 4 Apr 2025

Today's highlights include the release of a mystery object by Russian military satellites, SpaceX Fram2 mission insights, Amazon's upcoming satellite launch, and more.

New Glenn Explodes at LC-36, Grounded Over 1 Year | KeepTrack Space Brief

New Glenn Explodes at LC-36, Grounded Over 1 Year | KeepTrack Space Brief

Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket exploded at Cape Canaveral's LC-36, causing visible pad damage and a year-plus grounding. NASA lunar plans affected.

Space Brief 18 Sep 2024

Space Brief 18 Sep 2024

Today's Space Brief covers Rocket Lab's IoT satellite launch, SpaceX's European Galileo satellites, FAA's fine on SpaceX, Polaris Dawn mission achievements, and more.

X Report 8 Nov 2025

X Report 8 Nov 2025

SpaceX prepares for its 560th Falcon 9 launch, aiming to deploy 29 Starlink satellites from Kennedy Space Center, while the Bandwagon-4 mission continues to showcase successful rocket landings.

Space Brief 16 Feb 2025

Space Brief 16 Feb 2025

SpaceX's historic Falcon 9 flight launches 21 Starlink satellites, opening new milestones in space travel. Meanwhile, K2 Space achieves a funding breakthrough, and the first astronaut with a disability is set for a mission to the ISS.

X Report 21 Aug 2025

X Report 21 Aug 2025

Today's brief highlights the upcoming X-37B military spaceplane launch, ongoing partnerships to protect radio astronomy, and West Virginia's minimal allocation of broadband subsidies to satellite providers like SpaceX.