Blue Origin's New Glenn Explodes During Ground Test | KeepTrack Space Brief
Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket exploded during ground testing May 28, visible from hundreds of miles across Florida. Fireball halts vehicle pending failure investigation.
WESTFORD NEEDLES (02429)
COSPAR: 1963-014DG | Alt Name: deb West Ford (1966-00B)
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
02429
International Designator
1963-014DG
Decay Date
1/1/1979
Basic Satellite Info
Name
WESTFORD NEEDLES
Alternative Name
deb West Ford (1966-00B)
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
[UNID002 1966-000B]
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.
X Report 6 Dec 2024
SpaceX achieves a milestone with its 350th successful mission, including a significant Starlink launch, while Starship advances in testing. Meanwhile, SpaceX boosts SiriusXM's satellite fleet and industry competitors make strides.
X Report 31 Jul 2025
Today's highlights include the ongoing Crew-11 mission launch and Starship preparations for its upcoming test flight.
Falcon 9 Lands in Bahamas for 2nd Time, Reentry Pollution Measured | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX lands Falcon 9 in The Bahamas for the second time ever during Starlink 10-34 mission. Scientists measure rocket reentry air pollution in real-time for the first time.
X Report 18 Dec 2024
SpaceX achieves significant milestones with Starship and multiple launch missions, while Starlink connectivity expands through T-Mobile's beta program.
The Day a Farm Boy Found a New World
Ninety-five years ago, a 24-year-old astronomer with no college degree made one of astronomy's most remarkable discoveries, finding a new planet that would challenge our understanding of the solar system
Space Force Requests $1.6B for New LEO Relay Network | KeepTrack Space Brief
Space Force scraps SDA transport layer, requests $1.6 billion for proliferated LEO SATCOM constellation. Roger Mason nominated to lead NRO.
Artemis 3 Schedule Slips With No Mission Plan From NASA | KeepTrack Space Brief
NASA's Artemis 3 lunar landing mission schedule continues slipping over 2 months after revised plans announced, with no crew or surface activity details released publicly yet.