WESTFORD NEEDLES (02377)

COSPAR: 1963-014X | Alt Name: West Ford dipoles

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

02377

International Designator

1963-014X

Epoch

Fri, 22 May 2026 04:08:24 GMT

Apogee

Calculating...

Perigee

Calculating...

Inclination

87.41°

Right Ascension

166.54°

Eccentricity

Calculating...

Argument of Perigee

301.30°

Period

165.77 min

Mean Motion

8.69 rev/day

Latitude

Calculating...

Longitude

Calculating...

Altitude

Calculating...

Velocity

Calculating...

Polar Plot
3D Visualization
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

Latest TLEs
1 02377U 63014X   26142.17251139 -.00000717  00000-0 -28915+0 0  9998
2 02377  87.4053 166.5370 0483010 301.2951  54.1467  8.68672115923749

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

Diameter

0

Span

0

Dry Mass

0

Launch Mass

0

Shape

N/A

Radar Cross Section

0.1954

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

RCS 0.18

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

Map
This tool will help you track the satellite's position and predict its upcoming passes over your location. Simply input the coordinates or click the geolocation button to get started.
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration

Satellite Articles

View All Posts »

Learn more about satellites and other related topics.

X Report 22 Sep 2025

X Report 22 Sep 2025

SpaceX successfully launched 28 Starlink satellites from Florida, marking another milestone for their ongoing deployment efforts.

Falling Space Debris Risk to Aircraft Grows, North Korea Tests Hypersonic Missiles | KeepTrack Space Brief

Falling Space Debris Risk to Aircraft Grows, North Korea Tests Hypersonic Missiles | KeepTrack Space Brief

Experts warn falling space debris risk to aircraft is increasing. North Korea tests advanced hypersonic missiles. Space Force seeks launch providers for Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg pads.

Intel Partners on Musk's Terafab AI Chip Fab | KeepTrack X Report

Intel Partners on Musk's Terafab AI Chip Fab | KeepTrack X Report

Intel joins Terafab, Elon Musk's Austin AI chip complex, to supply SpaceX and Tesla as Falcon 9 prepares a Cygnus ISS run.

Pentagon Cancels OPIR Polar After Northrop Sensor Delivery | KeepTrack Space Brief

Pentagon Cancels OPIR Polar After Northrop Sensor Delivery | KeepTrack Space Brief

Pentagon cancels Next-Generation OPIR Polar program after Northrop Grumman delivered sensor payload. LEO and MEO alternatives deemed sufficient for missile-warning coverage.

X Report 19 Jul 2025

X Report 19 Jul 2025

SpaceX successfully launched 24 Starlink satellites from California while investigations begin on a possible Starship salvage operation near Mexico.

Falcon Heavy Returns After 18-Month Hiatus | KeepTrack X Report

Falcon Heavy Returns After 18-Month Hiatus | KeepTrack X Report

SpaceX's Falcon Heavy flew for the first time in 18 months on April 29, while Starlink hit 51 Falcon 9 launches in 2026 with 10,280 satellites working.

SpaceX IPO Terms Strip Investor Rights | KeepTrack X Report

SpaceX IPO Terms Strip Investor Rights | KeepTrack X Report

SpaceX's reported IPO structure grants Elon Musk unchecked control and forces 220,000-GPU Colossus AI deal into the spotlight.

2nd Starlink Debris Event in 3 Months Raises Alarm | KeepTrack X Report

2nd Starlink Debris Event in 3 Months Raises Alarm | KeepTrack X Report

A second Starlink satellite has generated on-orbit debris in just over 3 months, threatening SpaceX's 10,151-satellite working constellation.