WESTFORD NEEDLES (20005)

COSPAR: 1963-014EV | 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

20005

International Designator

1963-014EV

Decay Date

12/3/2017

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

Diameter

Span

Dry Mass

Launch Mass

Shape

N/A

Radar Cross Section

0.0515

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

RCS 0.03

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.

Vulcan Booster Anomaly Under Scrutiny After USSF-87 Launch | KeepTrack Space Brief

ULA Vulcan faces scrutiny after solid booster anomaly on USSF-87 mission. ThinKom wins portable satellite ground station contract. Space Force starts Project Hecate for GPS past 2040.

X Report 3 May 2025

Key updates include a successful Falcon 9 launch of 28 Starlink satellites and a static fire test of the Starship spacecraft, while T-Mobile's Starlink service aims to attract new customers.

Crew-11 Medical Evacuation Set for January 14, Starlink Mission Succeeds | KeepTrack X Report

NASA confirms first-ever ISS medical evacuation for January 14 via Crew Dragon. SpaceX launches 29 Starlink satellites in third mission of 2026. Artemis 2 moon mission timeline unaffected.

Space Brief 24 Nov 2025

Today's highlights include a record number of launches from Florida's Space Coast, Germany's new military space strategy, SpaceX's Starlink deployment, and more.

The Day That Changed Spaceflight Forever

Thirty-nine years ago, the loss of Space Shuttle Challenger and its seven crew members forever transformed our approach to spaceflight safety and risk management

SpaceX Stock Jumps 19% on Nasdaq Debut, X Report 15 Jun 2026

SpaceX stock surged 19% on its Nasdaq debut as Musk targets $1 trillion revenue by 2030. Starlink 17-54 marks the 1,500th satellite launched in 2026.

NASA Announces First-Ever ISS Medical Evacuation via SpaceX Crew Dragon | KeepTrack X Report

NASA plans first-ever medical evacuation from ISS using SpaceX Crew Dragon for Crew-11 astronaut. Starlink 6-96 mission scrubbed and rescheduled. Starbase Pad 1 tower and launch mount under review.

Space Brief 21 Aug 2025

Today's brief covers the launch of the X-37B, cutting-edge quantum navigation systems, and the future of space-based military technology. Discover the role of SpaceX and the advancements in inertial navigation.