WESTFORD NEEDLES (02796)

COSPAR: 1963-014AQ | 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

02796

International Designator

1963-014AQ

Epoch

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 17:20:04 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

87.18°

Right Ascension

84.99°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

147.97°

Period

165.82 min

Mean Motion

8.68 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

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 02796U 63014AQ  26183.72227764  .00000801  00000-0  30553+0 0  9999
2 02796  87.1845  84.9881 0578887 147.9693 215.7747  8.68393022926404

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

0.236

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

RCS 0.21

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
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