MIDAS 5 DEB (18603)

COSPAR: 1962-010G | Alt Name: West Ford 2 Dispenser

Image
MIDAS 5 DEB Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

April 9, 1962

Launch Site

AFWTR

Launch Pad

LC1-2

Launch Vehicle

Atlas Agena B

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

18603

International Designator

1962-010G

Epoch

Sun, 31 May 2026 22:36:58 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

86.68°

Right Ascension

328.52°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

81.48°

Period

153.03 min

Mean Motion

9.41 rev/day

Latitude

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Longitude

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Altitude

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Velocity

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Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info

Name

MIDAS 5 DEB

Alternative Name

West Ford 2 Dispenser

Type

Debris

Status

Space Junk

Owner

AFSSD

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs
1 18603U 62010G   26151.94233968  .00000004  00000-0 -32190-3 0  9999
2 18603  86.6848 328.5198 0291243  81.4765  73.9026  9.41013414377010

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

0.3

Diameter

0

Span

0.3

Dry Mass

1

Launch Mass

1

Shape

Cyl

Radar Cross Section

0.1967

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

West Ford Drag dispenser

Purpose

Unknown

Mission

Unknown

Manufacturer

MITLL

Life Expectancy

Unknown

Bus

Westford Drag

Configuration

Unknown

Motor

Unknown

Equipment

Unknown

Power System

Unknown

ADCS

Unknown

Transmitter Frequency

Unknown

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