MIDAS 4 DEB (00194)

COSPAR: 1961-028C | Alt Name: West Ford 1 Dispenser

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

October 21, 1961

Launch Site

AFWTR

Launch Pad

LC1-2

Launch Vehicle

Atlas Agena B

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

00194

International Designator

1961-028C

Epoch

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 15:42:42 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

95.85°

Right Ascension

251.99°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

167.06°

Period

165.49 min

Mean Motion

8.70 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 4 DEB

Alternative Name

West Ford 1 Dispenser

Type

Debris

Status

Space Junk

Owner

AFSSD

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 00194U 61028C   26182.65466095  .00000042  00000-0  18424-1 0  9997

2 00194  95.8534 251.9894 0421221 167.0635 194.1420  8.70120289 54397

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

0.5

Diameter

0.2

Span

0.5

Dry Mass

Launch Mass

Shape

Cyl

Radar Cross Section

0.5854

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

West Ford

Purpose

Experimental, communication, passice

Mission

Experimental, communication, passice

Manufacturer

MITLL

Life Expectancy

Unknown

Bus

Westford

Configuration

480 million copper dipoles (1.78 cm lenght, 25.4 ï¿½m (#1) or 17.8 ï¿½m (#2) diameter)

Motor

None

Equipment

Power System

None

ADCS

Unknown

Transmitter Frequency

Unknown

Map

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Latitude

Longitude

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Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)

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Time Until

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