Starlink Hits 10,000 Satellites in Orbit, X Report 17 Mar 2026
How many Starlink satellites are in orbit in 2026? SpaceX passed 10,000 after the Starlink 17-24 launch, with 10,020 in orbit and 11,529 launched.
WESTFORD NEEDLES (03756)
COSPAR: 1963-014CL | Alt Name: West Ford dipoles
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
03756
International Designator
1963-014CL
Decay Date
10/17/1987
Explore in the Catalog
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.
Space Brief 10 Dec 2025
Today's brief covers China's intense launch schedule, a new Arctic military constellation, Muon Space's defense innovations, and SpaceX's classified NROL-77 mission.
Space Brief 21 Feb 2025
Explore the latest developments in international defense collaborations, aerospace advancements, and emerging military trends shaping our orbital environments.
X Report 4 Oct 2025
SpaceX continues to push forward with significant milestones, including the launch of additional Starlink satellites and progress on spectrum acquisitions.
SpaceX Stock Eyed for US Kids' Savings Accounts | KeepTrack X Report
Trump reportedly asked Musk to donate SpaceX equity to seed children's savings accounts as Starlink tops 10,706 working satellites in orbit.
The Day America Shot Down Its Own Spy Satellite
Seventeen years ago, a Navy cruiser in the Pacific fired a missile at a tumbling reconnaissance satellite that had failed within hours of reaching orbit - officially to prevent toxic fuel from reaching the ground, unofficially to prove something far more significant to China and the world
The Day Space Station Crews Gained Their Window on the World
Fifteen years ago, Space Shuttle Endeavour launched on a mission that would give International Space Station astronauts their most spectacular view of Earth through the innovative Cupola observatory
Space Brief 5 Feb 2025
Today's briefing covers strategic military developments including missile defense proposals and board realignments, intertwined with rising space defense exports and autonomous launcher progress.